Police focus on anti-social 'yobs' (From Free Press Series)

Police focus on anti-social 'yobs'

Yobs who have plagued an area of Trevethin are the focus of new police powers and schools have backed the initiative to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

The new dispersal notice is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and follows a spate of intimidation, stone throwing and disruption caused by youngsters hanging around the shops in Trevethin.

The Dispersal Notice is the result of collaboration between the police, local authorities and local councillors.

But now schools in Trevethin are being asked to back the initiative by emphasising the details of the order in assemblies thereby strengthening the police position on the streets.

Pontypool's Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer Pc Andrew Cleaton said: "We are in the process of liasing with the schools in the area and are hoping they will read out the facts in their assembly, so that young people understand the powers the police have to disperse groups who are causing a nuisance."

The trouble spot has received a high profile in the Free Press and has recently been awarded two Police Community Support Officers, who now patrol the area.

Intimidating behaviour of young crowds gathered outside has dogged those shopping at the Spar and other stores in the area.

The dispersal notice means that police will be able to disband groups of two or more people, including those under the age of 16, who are acting in an anti-social manner.

Trevethin councillor Lewis Jones said: "The dispersal order has got to be a move in the right direction."

Head teacher of Trevethin Community School, Peter Toon, said: "We are in the middle of mock exams at the moment, but once those are over we will be informing the students of the Dispersal Notices in assemblies."

"We are absolutely 100 percent behind the police initiative," he added.

Over the weekend some incidents were reported to police of stones being thrown at the Spar, but when police arrived, the group of youths ran off.

The hope is that when persistent troublemakers feel the effect of these new powers, the residents of Trevethin will be able to live without the hassle and nuisance they cause.

Superintendent Jon Burley hailed the success of dispersal orders in Cwmbran and is hopeful the same can be achieved in Trevethin.

He said: "The dispersal notice is one of a number of measures police have put in place to address the anti-social behaviour on the estate and improve the quality of life of people in Trevethin. The area now has a dedicated ward officer in the form of Pc Mick Lumsden and two PCSOs who patrol regularly.

CCTV is also planned in the near future. We are also actively seeking community volunteers to staff the newly re-opened police station. We will be working with all our partners and the community to engage the young people who are, after all, the future of Trevethin."