Tag your tots at Barry Island with Operation Elstree

Parents can ‘tags their tots’ at Barry Island this summer thanks to the Operation Elstree – a multi-agency operation aimed at keeping the area safe.

The children’s wristband scheme comes after police officers reunited 13 children with their parents in just one weekend on the island.

The brightly coloured band includes a space for a mobile phone number or other relevant details so if a child does become separated and is found, their parent or guardian can be contacted immediately.

Chief Inspector Bella Rees, from South Wales Police, said: “As we all know, Barry Island is extremely popular with families during the summer months and this initiative will promote safety and help to reduce the distress caused by youngsters going missing.

“I would encourage all visitors to make use of one of these wristbands for their children.”

The bands are available from most local businesses as part of #OpElstree which aims to keep coastal areas of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan safe and family friendly this summer.

Op Elstree covers key locations including Cardiff Bay, Penarth and Barry Island, as well as the Heritage Coastline stretch between Rhoose Point and Ogmore-by-Sea.

We will continue to work with our partners over the summer to proactively patrol these key areas to prevent anti-social behaviour and criminality, and keep the community safe.

Recent weekends have been largely good natured but Section 35 notices in Barry Island and Ogmore-by-Sea give officers the power to move people on if they are acting in an anti-social manner.

With Wales in action this weekend in the European Championships, fans are urged to drink less and enjoy more.

Chief Insp Rees added:  “Our plea to fans is to drink responsibly and enjoy Saturday’s game.
“There are still Coronavirus restrictions in place in licensed premises so please respect these measures which are there to keep you safe and show respect to staff."

Visitors are also reminded that enforcement action will be taken against those not parked legally.

Operation Elstree was launched in May and will run until September.

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