Antisocial yobs will be locked in police 'hotel' (From York Press)

Antisocial yobs will be locked in police 'hotel'

8:54am Friday 6th July 2007 in News By Helen Gabriel

Troublemakers are being invited to spend a night at the Lock Em Inn - courtesy of York Police.

Booze-related antisocial behaviour will be targeted in a zero tolerance campaign this weekend.

It follows on from a major crackdown on antisocial behaviour which led to 11 arrests when about 40 police officers swarmed through pubs, bars and businesses in the centre of York last Friday and Saturday.

Now police have issued a stark warning - the consequences of bad behaviour could lead to arrest and even a night in custody.

The Lock 'Em Inn campaign is the brainchild of PC Kathryn Wright, neighbourhood policing officer for the Micklegate ward.

Revellers will be given leaflets warning them what they can expect of their accommodation if they choose to spend their night in a police cell.

Text messages will also be sent out to 4,000 drinkers by Luminar Leisure, which owns nightclubs The Gallery and Toffs, with a warning from North Yorkshire Police.

They will be warned: "It's your night, your choice - don't spend it with us at the Lock 'Em Inn."

PC Wright said: "The idea is to warn people while they are still sober that we are not going to tolerate antisocial behaviour and they could end up staying with us for the night.

"Sometimes, people need to be shocked into realising that getting arrested and placed in custody overnight is not a pleasant experience.

"We do not offer en-suite and a nice cooked breakfast.

"The Lock 'Em Inn campaign provides information on what the police have to offer if you are arrested.

"The reality is stark - a cell, a basic meal and a criminal record.

"York is a lovely city and we want to keep it that way. The message is drink, but don't get drunk."

Police will be ploughing extra resources into policing the city on Friday and Saturday night as part of the campaign, which is being backed by City of York Council and Safer York Partnership.

Safer York director Jane Mowat said: "Sometimes, people need to be shocked into accepting that the consequences of over-indulgence in drugs and alcohol are simply not worth it.

"Throughout the campaign, we will be actively seeking out those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The message is simple - enjoy what York has to offer but don't go over the top."

The crackdown is part of the York Neighbourhood Pride Being and Feeling Safe in York campaign.