Norfolk police use special powers to remove dozens of caravans

Police in Norfolk have utilized special powers three times in a single day to address a rise in unauthorised traveller encampments across the county. Using section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, officers moved on more than 50 caravans from sites in Great Yarmouth, Norwich, and Mousehold Heath.

The surge in encampments has led to reports of disorder, including threats to security barriers at a festival in Earlham and the early closure of businesses in Lowestoft due to health and safety concerns. Norfolk’s Reform police and crime commissioner, Colin Sutton, stated he has encouraged the force to use these special powers to meet resident demands for effective policing.