A 48-hour dispersal order has been put in place across Swansea city centre following an increase in youth-related anti-social behaviour over the Easter holidays.
The order, granted under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, will remain in force until 9:30am on Friday, April 10.
The move follows what police describe as a rise in incidents involving young people gathering in the city centre and engaging in violence and disorder.
The area covered by the order includes the Quadrant and bus station, Parc Tawe, the Kingsway, and the area surrounding the National Waterfront Museum.
Under Section 35 powers, officers can instruct anyone who is causing, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to leave the designated area.
Acting Chief Inspector Andrew Hedley said: “Following an unacceptable number of reports of youths congregating in the city centre and causing violence and disorder, a Section 35 dispersal order has now been authorised.
“The defined area includes the Quadrant and bus station, Parc Tawe, the Kingsway, and the area surrounding the National Waterfront Museum.
“We are increasing our patrols in the area and intensifying our approach. This means that any young person found committing anti-social behaviour in the area will face formal action.
“I would urge parents to also assist us but checking where their children are going and what activities they are engaging in. On the weekend, one mother experienced the stress of having to come to collect her son from the custody suite after he had been arrested for engaging in disorder; this is not a scenario we want to see repeated. A police officer was also assaulted by a 14-year-old girl, which resulted in her arrest.
“Officers will not hesitate to enforce these extra powers in order to keep the community safe. Everyone should be able to come into Swansea city centre during the sunny weather and enjoy their time free of any form of harassment or anti-social behaviour.”
Police say patrols will be increased while the order is in place, with officers ready to take action against anyone found breaching the restrictions.
