SIX people have been given special powers to help improve community safety in Stevenage. As part of the national Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, VSG security employees on Stevenage Leisure Park have been given the power to: - Demand the name and ad

SIX people have been given special powers to help improve community safety in Stevenage.

As part of the national Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, VSG security employees on Stevenage Leisure Park have been given the power to:

- Demand the name and address of anyone they suspect of a relevant fixed penalty offence, an offence causing injury, alarm or distress, an offence causing damage or loss to another's property, and anti-social behaviour.

- Seize alcohol from anyone under the age of 18, tobacco from anyone under the age of 16, and alcohol from anyone drinking in a designated "No Alcohol" zone.

Chief Inspector Richard Liversidge said: "We enjoy a close and successful working relationship with businesses on the leisure park, and police and security officers are present at weekends and key times as part of a dedicated joint operation to prevent drink-related crime and disorder.

"The accreditation scheme aims to promote partnership working and has been used in other parts of the county with great success.

"By undergoing enhanced training, VSG security officers can deal more effectively with anyone causing anti-social behaviour on the leisure park.