100s of needles found dumped
This was the horrifying scene close to a busy estate where children play:
HUNDREDS of needles and empty steroid bottles have been found near a busy estate where children play.
A police community support officer found about 200 to 300 empty needles dumped on wasteland behind Manchester Place, Hirwaun, while on patrol.
After finding the needles at about 2.30pm on Thursday the officer arranged for them to be cleared by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council’s street care enforcement team.
Chief Inspector Jason Rees said: “The needles clearly posed a risk to the public and were discarded near a busy estate where children play and where people walk their dogs with no consideration for those risks whatsoever.
“Investigative opportunities are now being considered by South Wales Police and also the local authority. Anybody caught dumping waste this way will be prosecuted.
“Anabolic steroids are Class C drugs and while it may be legal to possess or buy steroids for personal use, if officers suspect that there is an intention to supply, robust action will be taken.
“South Wales Police will not tolerate the supply of illegal drugs within our communities, regardless of the level of classification.”
Anabolic steroids mimic natural hormones in the body which some people take to try to help build muscles.
RCT council said its officers attended the site on privately-owned ground “as a matter of urgency”.
It said the council attends reports of individual needles across the county on a daily basis, and officers are specially trained to handle them safely.
A council spokesman said: “Officers also advise South Wales Police in relation to additional patrols required in areas where needles are commonly found, in order to target this problem.
“However, it is extremely rare to see an incident of the size and scale of that in Hirwaun, where approximately 300 needles were found.
“Officers discovered evidence at the scene which could relate to who is responsible.”
Needles found by the council are disposed of by Cwm Taf University Health Board.
Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.