Falmouth Harbour boats anti-social behaviour police raid

Crowds of people, and a seal, watched as police and the harbour authorities descended on Upton Slip this morning to remove boats at the centre of anti-social behaviour allegations in the inner harbour. There are claims that drug dealing was also taking place there.

The boats were allegedly at the centre of anti-social behaviour

Only yesterday the police released an update on the action they were taking to tackle the issue.

The boats, moored alongside Church Street Car park, were unhooked by the harbour master and taken away.

Meanwhile eyewitnesses reported seeing a man and a woman removed from one of the boats and taken away by police, the man in handcuffs.

The boats were searched by the police and a package was seen to be removed.

People living and working on the harbour front along Church Street have been complaining for months now about anti-social behaviour on Upton Slip.

One questioned why the authorities had waited until Falmouth Week, in front of crowds of people to take some action.

The boats were allegedly at the centre of anti-social behaviour

"People are just fed up with what's been going," said the owner of one harbour front business

"There were Quite a lot of police and the harbour master or his representative all down there. "The police removed a couple from a boat a man and a woman. The woman went off in a van the man appeared to be taken off in handcuffs. They appeared to be searching the boat and appeared to remove a package.

"Don't know why they have waited until the middle of Falmouth Week to remove them in full view of the public. Why leave it until Falmouth Week and not before? Not really great to be doing it during Falmouth Week."

The action comes as a review of the town's Cumulative Impact Zone takes place. Cumulative Impact Zones (CIZs) aim to monitor and restrict problems linked with alcohol.

The zones also allow licensing authorities to restrict new licensed premises opening in those areas.

People who live on the harbour front say they want the zone to be renewed as problems continue to blight the town.

"We are concerned about the renewal of the review of the cumulative impact zone and don't want it relaxed," said the owner of one harbour front business.

"Maybe come out at 6am in the morning and see what's been left from the night before. Street cleaners have to clear the whole mess up, it's really bloody disgusting they should be expected to do that. It's a family town, a seaside town and yet you have vomit and rubbish on the pavement then later everybody thinks everything is so lovely."

In a statement issued to the Packet, Falmouth Harbour said: "Following a police operation this morning, Falmouth Harbour was called to assist with unattended vessels tied alongside Church Street Car Park. As the harbour authority, we have a responsibility for the safety of our local community and visitors. With regards to any comments please direct inquiries to Devon and Cornwall Police."

The Packet approached Devon and Cornwall Police for a statement but is still waiting for a reply.