Following reports of anti-social behaviour and concerns for the safety of young people at Swansea Beach front and dunes areas, Swansea Neighbourhood Policing Team will be using section 35 dispersal orders to help deal with the issues.
These orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 aim to ensure the safety of the public and reduce the risk of any anti-social behaviour or disorder within an area.
It gives a Police Constable in uniform the power to exclude a person from an area for a period of up to 48 hours by the issuing of a written notice.
The power is preventative, allowing an officer to deal quickly with someone’s behaviour before it escalates.
Due to reports of the ages of those who are causing concerns and putting themselves in danger an additional Superintendent’s Authority for young people over the age of 10 to be issued notices has also been granted.
Local Policing Sergeant Mark Watkins said: “Everyone has a right to enjoy the beach area and we are lucky in Swansea to have such scenic seafronts which attracts tourists and surrounding communities.
“Anyone enjoying the beach and not causing issues can continue to do so, the S35 order is for those not only causing concerns for residents but also putting themselves at risk. We have identified underage drinking, fires causing criminal damage, fighting and foul and abusive language being used and this will not be tolerated.
“The young person’s safety and preventing further issues are a priority and when issued with a notice we will ensure they are returned to their home and their parents/guardians are made aware of their behaviour.
“We are hoping that parents and guardians of the young people who use this area assist us in reinforcing the message that they need to behave responsibly.”
The permission to issue notices has been granted until August 31 and will be subject to regular review. In addition to the Section 35 dispersal notices, we will also be using powers to confiscate alcohol and if the behaviour meets criminal levels or the order is breached then prosecution will be considered.
Anyone with information on Anti-Social Behaviour can call South Wales Police on 101.
