Croydon Council’s private police force has been given extra powers to target antisocial behaviour.

Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers (Neos) have been granted extra powers by Croydon police.

They can now insist on getting names and addresses from those behaving badly.

They are also able to confiscate alcohol from anyone drinking in a no-drinking zone and tobacco from anyone thought to be under 16.

They can also fine anyone who does not follow instructions, or anyone caught littering.

But opposition politicians said the money Neos cost would be better spent on bring in extra police officers.

Leader of Croydon’s Labour group Councillor Tony Newman said: “An incoming Labour council will scrap these toy-town plastic police officers and instead use the money to recruit more actual police officers.”

Borough commander Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts said: “It’s important the partnership between the council and the police is a strong one and my officers understand the work done by the Neos frees them up to tackle more serious crimes.

“It is for this reason that, whenever they need help, we’ll always try to be on the scene as soon as possible.”

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