A town centre-wide ban on begging and ‘threatening behaviour’ is set to be extended for another three years.

The order was introduced following “significant public concerns” about anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related disorder, begging and threatening behaviour in West Bromwich town centre.

The public space protection order (PSPO) covers anyone acting or inciting others to act in a manner that causes harassment, alarm or distress as well as anyone being verbally abusive or threatening others with violence.

The order also covers begging and standing cars that obstruct roads or footpaths. Those found breaching the order can face a fine of up to £1,000.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet meets on December 4 to vote on whether to extend the PSPO for another three years.

A borough-wide ban on drinking alcohol in public places was renewed for a further three years in March. Current public space protection orders also ban BBQs and fires in public places and gives the council more powers to fine dog owners who do not clean up after their pets with those not carrying poo bags facing £100 on-the-spot fines or penalties up to £1,000.

The order first came into force in 2018 and was extended again in 2021 for another three years. 

Sandwell Council said the introduction of the PSPO in 2018 had been a “key tool” in addressing anti-social behaviour.

Figures provided by West Midlands Police showed 381 reports of anti-social behaviour in West Bromwich town centre were made in 2018/19 compared to 169 in 2023/24.

However, reports of anti-social behaviour did increase to 412 in 2020/21 before falling again.

The total police recorded incidents of crime was 2,356 in 2018/19 but despite falling to 1,756 in 2020/21 during the Covid-19 pandemic, had risen to 3,223 in 2022/23. 

The figure fell to 2,858 in 2023/24 and while lower than the previous year, was still higher than in 2018/19 when the PSPO began. 

Police recorded public safety and welfare incidents fell from 2,903 in 2018/19 to its lowest of 1,140 in 2022/23 but increased again last year to 1,485.

The number of reports of anti-social behaviour made to Sandwell Council nearly doubled from 36 in 2018/19 to 70 in 2023/24, according to the cabinet report.