FOLLOWING increased reports of anti-social behaviour police in Swansea have today put in place a third Section 35 Dispersal Order. These orders give the police additional powers to deal with people acting in an anti-social manner.
The latest order will cover the SA1 area and follows reports of large groups congregating and drinking and suspected drug taking. It will be subject of regular review. Section 35 Dispersal Orders are already in place for Langland and Caswell Bays and the Swansea Marina and dunes area.
Superintendent Cath Larkman said: “We have had numerous complaints from residents throughout these areas that people are not only congregating but also taking part in anti-social or criminal activities.
“This is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Our residents and communities deserve to enjoy the places they live and not feel worried about going out or being a victim of anti-social behaviour.
“Anyone enjoying these areas and not causing any issues and adhering to the current Covid-19 legislation can of course continue to do so, the S35 Order is for those not only causing concerns for residents but also putting themselves or others at risk.
“Alongside the orders we will be increasing patrols, utilising both uniformed and plain clothes officers, and taking a proactive approach in dealing with any apparent issues.
“Our communities have been really supportive and cooperative and we will be doing all we can to support them. We have all been adjusting through these unprecedented times and we would urge people to think about their impact of their behaviour on the community and residents.”
These orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 aim to ensure the safety of the public, and reduce the risk of any anti-social behaviour or disorder within this area.
The order gives a uniformed police officer the power to exclude a person from an area for a period of up to 48 hours by the issuing of a written notice.
The power is preventative and allows an officer to deal quickly with someone’s behaviour before it escalates. It is in addition to the current Covid-19 legislation.
In addition to the Section 35 dispersal order, we will also be using powers to confiscate alcohol and if the behaviour meets criminal levels or the order is breached then prosecution will be considered.
Anyone with information on anti-social behaviour can call South Wales Police on 101.
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