Police: ‘No law and order in town’ allegation is unfair

POLICE in Llanelli have spoken out after claims made by a businessman that “there’s no law and order” after a spate of alleged vandalism in the town.

Carmarthenshire Superintendent Gary Mills said the criticism is unfair.

Clive Brookfield, owner of the Jail House club, near East Gate, had criticised police.

He said: “There’s no law and order in Llanelli any more. You need the big, tough policemen back on the street to get respect for the uniform. It’s terrible the way it is now.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers are out on the streets to combat crime and Mr Mills said the force is proactive against crime in the town. He added: “Policing is positive and proactive in Llanelli, and our officers act quickly.”

He said the force understands victims of crime are upset but added: “To say there is no law and order in Llanelli is unfair.”

He said steps had been taken to implement an effective policing approach to crime in the town.

Mr Mills said: “Earlier this year, Dyfed-Powys Police established a dedicated town centre team to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.

“We would ask that anyone who has concerns about the level of policing in the town centre brings those concerns to us to be addressed.”

Responding to feedback from members of the public and traders, the force has committed a full-time PC and three PCSOs to provide a visible presence in the area, providing reassurance and reacting to incidents.

The team patrols the town centre and officers work closely with partners, traders and licensees to respond to antisocial behaviour and crime in the town centre.

They also work alongside members of the Llanelli Business Improvement District, Ymlaen Llanelli, and the Llanelli Town Centre Taskforce.

Llanelli Inspector Justin Evans said: “It is important that we connect with our communities and ensure the public receives a visible and accessible service.

“The commitment of a dedicated resource to the town centre is not in response to an increase in reported incidents in the area, but is something the public and traders feel is needed, and is a resource we feel can only further enhance our relationship with the people of Llanelli.”

Two teenagers have been arrested and charged over alleged vandalism in Llanelli earlier this month and will appear in court in October.