Officers in Butetown, Cardiff, have been given extra powers to prevent gatherings, drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour.
The order is a preventative measure following a stabbing incident on Monday evening and continued concerns of violence, drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour.
A 48-hour dispersal order, which is granted under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, is in place from 1.30pm yesterday (Thursday, March 21) until 1.30pm on Saturday.
Under Section 35 of the Act, police officers can instruct anybody who is causing, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to leave the area as illustrated in the map.
Officers will also have the power to seize any property which they suspect is being used to cause anti-social behaviour.
The order is a preventative measure following a stabbing incident and concerns of violence, drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour in Butetown.
At around 7.45pm on Monday, March 18, a report was received of a stabbing in Waverley Square, Butetown, Cardiff.
One man is in hospital in a stable condition. Seven men aged 18 to 28 have been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.
Inspector Abi Biddle from South Wales Police said:
“The dispersal order is in place over the next 48 hours as a preventative measure.
“We will have an increased presence in Butetown and officers won’t hesitate to enforce the extra powers afforded to them in order to keep the community safe.
“We urge parents and guardians to speak to their young people about not getting involved in drugs and drug dealing. Please also check who they are associating with, what they are doing and where they are.”
