Dispersal orders in use across region to tackle behaviour
POLICE have used dispersal orders in at least 13 places across Wales this year. The crackdowns dealt with issues ranging from drunkenness at the beach to troublemakers at McDonald’s.
The Section 35 powers mean officers can exclude people from an area for up to 48 hours if they are considered to pose a risk of antisocial behaviour causing people harassment, alarm or distress.
The orders also allow officers to take under-16s away from the dispersal area and to a safe place.
There are seven areas in South East Wales where police are known to have imposed dispersal orders at some point this year.
Barry Island South Wales Police issued a 24-hour dispersal order for Barry Island on July 18, which was then extended for a further 24 hours, amid concerns of groups consuming “excess alcohol”. The force said large crowds had been gathering in the area.
Police advised people at the time to “avoid the area unless essential”. The order gave officers powers to remove anyone under the age of 16 and take them to a safe place. They could also order anyone “likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress” to leave.
Inspector Stuart McDean said at the time: “The vast majority of people who visit our beautiful coastal areas behave appropriately and in accordance with the regulations. But we will not tolerate the behaviour of a minority who consume excess alcohol, litter and ruin the quiet enjoyment for lawabiding citizens.”
Victoria Park, Cardiff South Wales Police secured a 48-hour dispersal order for Victoria Park in Cardiff on June 17 following reports of youngsters gathering in response to an alleged stabbing.
Superintendent Michelle Conquer said at the time: “We are aware of rumours of further gatherings of youths in the area over the coming days and we will be increasing our presence in the area to reassure local residents.”
Caerau, Cardiff South Wales Police announced a 24-hour dispersal order in the Cardiff suburb on February 22 after locals complained of a spate of antisocial behaviour. One resident told the Echo the neighbourhood had been plagued for months by “gangs going around on their scooters, terrorising people”.
The order covered a large part of Cowbridge Road West and Caerau Lane. Caerau resident Brian Davies said at the time: “It’ll be because of the [Lidl] supermarket there. The sheltered area of the shop is not shut off at night, so you get kids — maybe
13 or 14 — hanging around there in big groups. They’ve got motorbikes, and you see them driving at cars, things like that. Causing trouble really.”
Brian’s wife Diane added: “They just look at you, they don’t care. You say anything to them and they just shout at you.”
A police spokesperson said at the time: “This type of antisocial behaviour just won’t be tolerated in our communities which is why we have put in place this dispersal order which gives officers extra powers to arrest anyone causing problems, remove anyone under the age of 16 and take them home or to a safe place. We have extra officers out patrolling to keep things in check.”
Ebbw Vale town centre A burglary took place on the evening of January 13 as windows were smashed at All Saints Catholic Primary School in Heol-Yr-Ysgol, Ebbw Vale. Around £100 in cash was stolen.
Later that evening damage was reported to the B&M store on Bethcar Street and Poundstretcher on The Walk. Police dubbed the incidents “mindless damage” and put a dispersal order in place across the town centre over the following weekend.
Adamsdown, Splott and Tremorfa in Cardiff South Wales Police put in place a 48-hour dispersal order on July 22 allowing them to order anyone behaving antisocially to leave parts of Adamsdown, Splott and Tremorfa. Officers could also seize any property suspected of being used in antisocial behaviour.
Local policing inspector Gerallt Hughes said at the time: “We have put the Section 35 [order] in place as a preventative measure. We will have an increased presence in the specific areas outlined and won’t hesitate to enforce the extra powers afforded to them.”
Cwmbran Gwent Police issued a
48-hour dispersal order in Cwmbran on April 22 following reports of antisocial behaviour in the town. The order covered the town centre, bus station and nearby residential streets.
Police warned that anyone involved in antisocial behaviour would be told to leave, and if they returned they would face arrest. The force said at the time: “While dispersal orders are in place, especially during the Easter break, we’d ask that parents ensure they know where their children are and continue to speak to them about the impact their behaviour can have on our towns and neighbours.”
Ystrad, Rhondda South Wales Police put a 24-hour dispersal order in place on March 20 allowing them to exclude anyone from a large area of Ystrad. Officers had received intelligence that a group of youths were planning a “disturbance”. The area extended about a mile between Ystrad railway station and the Tonypandy Asda superstore, said police.
What police say about dispersal orders:
South Wales Police’s Superintendent Tony Williams said: “The decision to use a dispersal order is based on reasonable grounds to suspect that its use is necessary to remove or reduce the likelihood of members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed at a specific location and its use is always carefully considered in order to minimise the disruption to the community.
“Crime and antisocial behaviour have a damaging effect on victims and communities and preventing this type of behaviour occurring through balanced use of dispersal orders is far more favourable than having to respond to its impact.”
And Gwent Police’s temporary Chief Superintendent Carl Williams said: “It’s unacceptable for people to act in a way which causes misery and frustration to other members of the public. Officers have a range of tactics available to them, including dispersal orders, to tackle this type of offending. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated by Gwent Police and we will continue to take action against anyone intent on causing harm and disorder in our communities.”