Police issue warning as 100 teens gather in island village

POLICE issued a warning amid reports of up to 100 people as young as 14 congregating in an Anglesey village.

North Wales Police and Llanfairpwll Community Council said they were aware of “reported increases in anti-social behaviour in and around the village”.

Officers said they had received reports over the past month of groups of up to 100 people gathering on weekend evenings.

They said there was evidence of vandalism, underage drinking and drug-taking and said young people aged 14 to 17 had been out as late as 3am.

Area Support Sgt Ian Roberts said “Young people congregating and socialising is undoubtedly a part of life. However, when the behaviour of any person escalates to public order, criminal damage, alcohol and drug abuse; clearly these offences will have an impact on the quality of life of residents.

“We are also concerned regarding the risks these young people are exposing themselves to. Sexual and criminal exploitation of young people is a real risk.

“It is believed some of the young people are from other parts of the island and Gwynedd. Children may not be where their parents believe them to be, therefore I would urge parents to check the whereabouts of their children.

“We recently met with the Community Council to discuss their concerns. As a result, members of the local policing team will be patrolling key areas in and around the village at ad hoc times.

“A dispersal order may also be used under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014 to disperse persons from the area. Failure to comply to the order will provide us with the power of arrest.”

Anybody who witnesses anti-social behaviour should call police on 101.