Neighbourhood Policing knife awareness event in Penarth marks halfway point of south Wales Safer Streets Summer Initiative

Since the launch of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee in south Wales, NPTs have seen an uplift in activity to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour (ASB), theft, and shoplifting in South Wales Police’s (SWP) communities.

Those visiting or living in Penarth may have spotted a pop-up community event near Glebe Street, hosted with Fearless and the local council to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife, and how to report concerns around weapons.

Locals and businesses were also given advice on reporting anti-social behaviour and what the new NPG means for them. Alongside this, intelligence-led patrols focusing on acquisitive crime, such as shoplifting, has seen a reduction in offences through July, totalling three reports across the town centre throughout the month.

Similar activity has taken place right across the force, with 10 key areas including Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, and Penarth highlighted as focus points.

In July, Merthyr Tydfil NPT launched Project Pili-Pala, a pilot safe space as part of their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. The prevention-focused, trauma-informed initiative, aimed at girls aged 13-16, is designed specifically to provide support through early intervention and confidence-building outside of sport-focused engagement. The project brings together partners from the NPT, Youth Engagement Officers, and college staff members to approach topics around issues including ASB, consent and personal safety, and county lines.

Elsewhere, efforts from the Bridgend team through Op Riella in July saw an 80% reduction in robbery, 44% decrease in ASB, and 17.1% decrease in shoplifting. These reductions have been attributed to the use of policing powers such as community protection warnings, referral orders, and youth engagement activity.

The NPT in Barry has also been busy through July. Following community concerns highlighted to officers linked to ongoing investigations, the team has worked closely with secondary schools to provide support to pupils, staff, and wider school community. Additionally, nine ASB referrals were submitted for Holton Road and neighbouring areas, focusing on issues such as the misuse of e-bikes and nuisance behaviour.

Chief Inspector Tony Williams said:

“Neighbourhood Policing Teams across South Wales Police have been working extremely hard, alongside local authorities and partners, to make our town centres safer in line with the Safer Summer initiative.

“I’d like to remind residents and businesses that each community now has a named, contactable officer, listed for their area enabling them to reach out, engage with the local teams and be kept informed on local issues and priorities.”