A NEW method has been introduced for police to deal with offenders in Colchester’s pubs.

Anyone caught committing criminal damage or public order offences will be given an acceptable behaviour contract to deter them from reoffending.

It works alongside the existing Behave or Be Banned scheme, which sees people excluded from licensed premises belonging to Pubwatch, if they are caught fighting, dealing drugs or carrying an offensive weapon.

Colchester licensing officer Michael Aitchison said: “The contracts are an alternative to the outright ban.

“It is a way of dealing with individuals who are involved in incidents of public order and criminal damage, people who may not necessarily qualify for a ban.”

Chief Insp Adrian Coombs, district commander for Colchester, said: “The acceptable behaviour contracts will complement the Behave or Be Banned scheme, which is working extremely well in the town.

“It also gives the individual a chance to behave before we look at taking further action.”

Reeves Watson, chairman of Colchester Pubwatch, said: “Our committee and group will support any initiative that seeks to enhance the safety and enjoyment for visitors to the night-time economy in Colchester.”

Acceptable behaviour contracts list antisocial acts offenders agree to avoid and what will happen if any are breached.