Swansea city centre sees big fall in ASB during school holidays

 

Figures show a fall of 39.5% in the area covering the city centre, marina and beach front.

This summer South Wales Police launched Operation Daylily which saw extra staff on duty during peak times and prominent dates.

Officers worked closely with businesses and police also partnered with Swansea Council and others to stage weekly engagement sessions for young people which proved popular.

City Centre Inspector Andrew Hedley said:

"The results of the operation show a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents this year.

"The policing operation, named Operation Daylily, saw additional staff working during prominent times and on peak dates, along with officers from Operation Viscaria to combat ASB.

"In addition, the idea, to bring together many partners on a day each of the 6 weeks holiday, really took off.

"The Partnership and Involvement Team at Swansea Council was instrumental in bringing partners together and providing the facilities and drive to provide diversionary activities for all ages of people to get involved in.

"The focus this year was in relation to engaging with youths who attend the city centre during the summer and provide that safe space for them to use and engage with others.

"It was great to see people of all ages taking part, breaking down barriers and understanding issues which different age demographics experience in relation to ASB.

"Unfortunately there will always be a small minority who are intent on causing issues, affecting those who live, work and visit the city centre, which won't be tolerated, and robust action is taken in relation to these individuals."

Working with the Police, the council's Partnership and Involved Team organised the 'City Chill' events near the former St David's Shopping Centre providing activities and a safe place to go for young people.

Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Hayley Gwilliam, said:

"Working with the police and supported by many different services within the council, as well as other external partners, the City Chill events proved to be a great success and I'd like to thank all involved.

"Some people are often too quick to criticise young people today but the ideas, energy and positivity of many of those attending showed there is so much to be proud of in our younger people.

"The City Chill events were in addition to hundreds of free and low costs activities for young people and families funded by the council across all areas of Swansea as part of our support for them during the school summer holidays."

Figures from South Wales Police show during the period between July 18 and September 2 there was a total of 185 reports made of incidents involving anti-social behaviour, down from 306 during the same period last year.

There were 4 arrests for public order and assault offences, directly related to some youths causing issues on Oxford Street in August, attributed to anti-social behaviour.

Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea Business Improvement District said:

"The partnership working between South Wales Police, Swansea BID, and our Business Crime Reduction Partnership has played a pivotal role in the significant reduction of anti-social behaviour in Swansea city centre during this year's school summer holidays.

"Our members provided intelligence on ASB issues using our radio network, Sentrysis reporting platform, and forums to help plan resources again.

"This success is a testament to the proactive measures taken, and this collective effort shows how effective partnership working can be in creating a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone."