Maesteg Neighbourhood Policing Team Shoot Down Public Disorder in Operation Archer

Operation Archer saw 13 police officers from Maesteg Neighbourhood Policing Teams assisted by 2 dog handlers with drugs dogs, conducting high visibility patrols and searches across Bridgend and Maesteg during the evening of Saturday 28th February 2009 in an effort to address public disorder and substance misuse in the Borough.

During the operation, 2 16 year old males were arrested for a Section 5 public order and for obstructing police officers respectively, after a fight between a group of boys occurred outside Maesteg Rugby Football Club. Both males were later cautioned.

Throughout the operation, police officers and police dog handlers patrolled on foot around licensed premises in Maesteg town centre, Caerau, Nantymoel and Bridgend. Patrols were also conducted around Maesteg train station so officers could educate individuals who were travelling across the Borough on how to stay safe during their night out.

Alcohol was confiscated from a 15 year old male at Maesteg train station, who later received an ASBO referral. Two teenage boys in Ogwy St, Nantymoel also received ASBO referrals after officers confiscated three bottles of wine from them.

On Dunraven St, near Bridgend Library, one female and two male teenagers received ASBO referrals after officers caught the youths drinking lager underage and deliberately smashing a pint glass.

The parents of the teenagers will now receive letters from the Safer Bridgend Partnership informing them of their children’s actions.

Operation Archer also involved a focus on crime prevention, with officers escorting four teenage males aged between 16 and 17 home from Commercial St, Maesteg in a bid to prevent alcohol-related crime before it occurred.

As part of the operation, South Wales Police Licensing Officer PC Kevin Ellis also accompanied officers to licensed premises around Maesteg throughout February to ensure licensees were complying with the conditions of their license.

Police received a positive public reaction during the high visibility patrols on Saturday. Vicki Poole, aged 19 of Llantwit Major, who was enjoying a night out in Bridgend with friends said: “When we’re on a night out we feel so much safer with the police around. It’s reassuring knowing there are people around looking after you to make sure you stay safe. The street pastors are great too.”

Samantha Littleton, aged 19 of Burton on Trent nr Derby agreed. She said: “I’ve seen a lot more officers patrolling the streets here than back home. I feel much safer.”

Two males aged in their twenties were stopped and searched by officers in Derwyn Rd after one of the sniffer dogs suggested a detection of illegal substances. Encouragingly no drugs were found. Of the 16 stop and searches conducted throughout the night, no illegal substances or weapons were found.

Sgt Chris Truscott, who led the operation said: “A big thank you to the public for their cooperation during this operation. No illegal substances or weapons were found, indicating that Maesteg and Bridgend are safe places to enjoy a night out. We are really pleased with the results, and through proactive policing we will continue to strive to make the late night economy across Maesteg and Bridgend even safer for residents and revellers.”

“The public reaction to the operation was really encouraging, with people particularly pleased to see the dog handlers out. We need members of the public to keep reporting any incidents of public disorder so that, together, we can rid our communities of alcohol and drug related crimes.”

Community members with any information on crime are urged to contact Maesteg Police Station on 01656 655555, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively, community members with information on crime can approach officers on the beat, or inform their Neighbourhood Policing Team via upcoming PACT meetings. Click here to find dates and times for your area