Police Crackdown Tackles Anti-Social Behaviour in Nantymoel

Following complaints from residents at the Nantymoel and Ogmore Vale PACT meetings, South Wales Police launched Operation Central Park on Friday in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in the valley.

The first phase of Operation Central Park took place on Friday evening and saw officers of the Nantymoel Neighbourhood Policing Team conducting high visibility patrols from 7.30pm, particularly around the Clock Tower on Ogwy Street and the Wauns children’s play area.

During the operation, 2 male youths received anti-social behaviour referrals and had their bikes confiscated by officers for riding dangerously on a busy road and almost damaging public vehicles.

Another 2 male youths received ASBO referrals later in the evening for disabling a First Cymru bus on Ogwy St.

As part of the Anti-Social Behaviour Order process, the parents of the 4 youths will receive letters from the Bridgend Safer Partnership informing them of their children’s actions. This process means youths are given chances to curb their behaviour before being issued a full ASBO.

Alcohol was confiscated from underage youngsters who were drinking near the bus stop during the evening, and officers visited one local licensed premise to discuss underage drinking with the licensee and to educate them on happenings in the area. More licensed premises will be visited by officers throughout the course of the operation.

Bridgend County Borough Councillor David Jones, who sits for the Nantymoel ward, accompanied officers during the Friday night patrol and listened to young people’s opinions on what they would like to see in their local area. Many expressed a wish for better lighting in the Wauns skate park.

Coun Jones said: “It seems more adequate lighting in the skate park would benefit the whole community, with more youths being encouraged to ride their bikes in a safe zone rather than congregating in residential streets.”

South Wales Police Sergeant Chris Truscott, who is leading the ongoing operation in Nantymoel, said: “Officers are working extra shifts throughout this operation to ensure anti-social behaviour in the OgmoreValley is targeted and dealt with effectively. The Nantymoel Neighbourhood Policing Team is dedicated to positively dealing with offenders to create a better quality of life for residents.

“We urge people to come forward and report anti-social behaviour to us so we can make sure our patrols are targeted effectively in the future.”