'Mankini' ban sees crime fall in Newquay

Police say a decision to ban mankinis and other "inappropriate clothing" from their town has helped significantly reduce anti-social behaviour and recorded crime.

Officers in Newquay say the Cornish resort is shedding its reputation as a haven for drunken revellers and stag parties as a result of the zero-tolerance approach to risque fancy dress.

Some visitors to Newquay, including teenagers as young as 15, have been sent home as a result of anti-social behaviour, while older fun-seekers have had skimpy costumes seized by police.

Devon and Cornwall Police Superintendent Julie Whitmarsh said: "We have had this consistency of seizing inappropriate items of clothing, sending people home to get changed, and that has worked, it has made a real difference, this 'no-nonsense attitude'".

The tough stance has been part of the Newquay Safe campaign, which was launched in the summer of 2009. Residents marched on the council buildings in an impassioned plea to "take our town back" from the clutches of anti-social tourists.