Operation launched to keep coastal areas of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan safe.

A South Wales Police operation to keep coastal areas of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan safe and family-friendly over the summer is underway.

Following the success of last year, when the area experienced a 32 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour, Operation Elstree 22 will once again involve increased patrols and where appropriate, dispersal powers

Operation 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.

It will run from now until September.

Local neighbourhood officers will be supported by colleagues from across South Wales Police as well as a range of colleagues from our partner agencies.

This team effort is intended to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour while ensuring the quiet enjoyment of coastal areas for law-abiding residents and visitors.

Last night, as a result of large crowds gathering on Barry Island, a Section 35 dispersal order was put in place.

This order, which has been extended for a further 24 hours until 4pm tomorrow (Wednesday, July 20), gives officers the power to remove anyone under 16 and take them to where they live or a safe place.

 

Officers will also be able to instruct anybody who is causing, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to leave an area.

The power is preventative and allows an officer to deal quickly with someone’s behaviour before it escalates

Inspector Stuart McDean from South Wales Police said: "The vast majority of people who visit our beautiful coastal areas behave appropriately and in accordance with the regulations.

"But we will not tolerate the behaviour of a minority who consume excess alcohol, litter and ruin the quiet enjoyment for law-abiding citizens.

"Anti-social behaviour and criminality has a detrimental impact on our communities and we will continue to proactively patrol key areas to prevent such activity."

Visitors to coastal areas over the coming weeks can be reassured that, where appropriate, further  Section 35 dispersal powers will be place to prevent anti-social behaviour.

Operation Elstree will also tackle concerns about underage drinking, tombstoning and anti-social use of off-road bikes and quads.

Follow us on Twitter @swpValeofGlamorgan and @swpCardiff 

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