No tolerance approach to abuse against council staff

The Council will not tolerate abusive behaviour towards its staff – that’s the message after two civil enforcement officers were subjected to abusive behaviour during an incident in Ruthin.

Officers had identified a vehicle at St Peter’s Square in Ruthin which did not display a ticket and officers waited five minutes before they could issue a Penalty Charge Notice for £50.  During this time, the vehicle owner made a number of threats against the officers, witnessed by a number of passers-by.

His behaviour persisted, despite the attendance of two Police Community Support Officers.

At Llandudno Magistrates Court the man was fined and ordered to pay costs after pleading guilty to a charge of Breach of the Peace.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “Neither officer was hurt but suffered verbal threats and intimidation. Officers behaved impeccably in this case. They refused to be diverted from their duty and dealt with the situation in a highly professional manner.

“Civil Enforcement Officers are deployed to all parts of Denbighshire on a daily basis.  They do not, and should not, expect this kind of verbal aggressive behaviour. It will not be tolerated and the Council will take legal steps against individuals acting in this manner."