Police alert parents to teen mass gatherings
POLICE have asked parents to ensure they know where their children are this weekend after a number of reports of planned mass gatherings in areas of Llanelli.
Dyfed-powys Police has said it will increase patrols in a number of hotspots including Sandy Water Park, Llanelli beach, Swiss Valley Reservoir and the Furnace area.
Locals have already reported gatherings, underage drinking, rubbish and arson in some of these areas and have concerns about more problems this weekend following the last day of term for school children.
Llanelli Police said that on Thursday groups of 14 to 18-yearolds were found setting fires, underage drinking and littering near Sandy Water Park and Swiss Valley Reservoir.
Welsh Water also reported anti-social behaviour in Swiss Valley and said: “Antisocial behaviour at our reservoirs puts people at risk.
“Working with local police we’ve increased security at Swiss Valley over the next few weeks. When visiting please maintain social distancing, leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home.”
Reports of underage drinking often increase around the end of term, but this year due to the pandemic there are also concerns that teenagers will not maintain social distancing.
Some schools in Llanelli have also become aware of the plans and asked parents to know their child’s whereabouts.
Bryngwyn Secondary School in Dafen said: “We have been informed by Llanelli police that there are plans in place for a large social gathering of secondary school aged pupils in the local area.
“Can we please ask all Bryngwyn pupils to continue to keep themselves and the community safe by maintaining current social distancing measures.
“Police have informed us that there will be increased patrols in the area.”
Officers have warned dispersal orders will be handed out where necessary, which instruct people to leave a particular area.
A statement from Dyfed-powys Police said: “Do you know what your teenagers are up to this weekend? We are receiving information regarding underage drinking parties at Swiss Valley Reservoir, Sandy Water Park and Furnace area. High visibility patrols will be undertaken.”
It added: “Dispersal powers have been authorised this weekend in Swiss Valley Reservoir due to recent anti-social behaviour, large gatherings and underage drinking.
“Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be patrolling and issuing dispersal orders when necessary.”