Operation Idyllic
Through recent intelligence gathered from a variety of sources within the community it had been identified that a number of local youths have been openly involved in the recreational use of controlled drugs along with the consumption of alcohol. These activities have had a significant impact on the quality of life of a number of residents in some areas of Maesteg and as a result an initiative was set up through the Maesteg Neighbourhood Police Team in order to confront this problem.
Phase one
On Thursday 11th October 2007 Police Officers from the Divisional Drug Team and the Neighbourhood Policing team executed search warrants at two addresses in the Maesteg area, resulting in two arrests relating to Possession of Class A and Class C drugs. Further to this, officers effected the arrest of a male person who was suspected of being involved in the supply of Heroin. This resulted in an amount of Heroin being recovered along with an amount of cash.
Phase two
Friday 12th October 2007 Maesteg Neighbourhood Policing Team along with Officers from the Divisional Drugs Team carried onto the next phase of the operation which was the Proactive Policing of the identified hot spots.
Teams consisting of plain clothes Officers attended at these locations to initially identify that youths were openly involved in the consumption of alcohol in the public parks within Maesteg. Uniform officers, along with Maesteg PCSO’s were then brought into the area.
As a direct result of the Operation Police officers used their stop search powers which successfully resulted in the following.
1. Thirty eight stop searches were conducted and a large amount of alcohol was confiscated.
2. Anti social behaviour referrals were submitted for two persons involved in the consumption of alcohol.
3. One male person was arrested and charged with Public Order offences.
4. One cannabis street warning given.
5. One female conveyed to her parents home and advice given regarding this person’s behaviour.
6. One warning regarding section 59 Police reform act, regarding the use of a motor vehicle at the Llynfi road car park in an anti social manner.
7. Local residents along with the local Member of Parliament were spoken to and informed of our actions.
This Operation will continue, and supports the Maesteg Neighbourhood Police Teams commitment in dealing with local annoyance and anti social behaviour.