(1)A local authority may—
(a)investigate complaints in respect of offences under section 5 alleged to have been committed in its area;
(b)bring prosecutions in respect of offences under section 5 committed in its area;
(c)take any other steps with a view to reducing the incidence of offences under section 5 in its area.
(2)References in this Act to an authorised officer of a local authority are to any person authorised by a local authority for the purposes of this Act.