Plain-clothes officers target anti-social behaviour

Plain-clothes anti-social behaviour officers with the power to fine those who drop cigarette ends or litter, urinate in the street, or who daub walls with graffiti will start patrolling the streets of Toulouse in June.

Dog owners who don't pick up after their pets, and people who leave household rubbish on the street outside normal refuse collection dates can also be fined as part of a city-wide crackdown.

A total 25 officers to an anti-social behaviour unit, will be able to issue fines €68 to anyone they spot committing minor anti-social offences.

Police will still issue their own cautions, but officials said that the sight of uniformed officers and wardens tended to prompt those likely to indulge in anti-social behaviour to move elsewhere. It is hoped that the move to plain-clothes will see more people caught in the act and fined, which in turn will lead to fewer incidents.

Last year, officials in the city issued 1,164 fines for anti-social behaviour of this type. It is expected that number will jump in 2018 under the new format.

In September 2016, 116 people were fined for littering offences during a large-scale two-hour operation in Place Saint-Pierre.