Police target rowdy gangs (From Free Press Series)

Police target rowdy gangs

HOPES of a trouble-free future for Trevethin have risen as police start to use new powers to target gangs.

Optimistic traders said new dispersal notices have made a 'dramatic difference' to the shopping area, plagued by anti-social behaviour.

Mayo's Chip shop owner Sean Mayo said: "Over the past 18 months there has been some bad behaviour around the shops and the dispersal notices certainly seem to have remedied it for the moment at least. Hopefully it will continue."

New Dispersal Notices gave police powers to disband groups of two or more people causing a nuisance and traders in the area said it has been a success.

Two weeks ago the Free Press reported that police were co-operating with local schools and youth groups in a bid to raise awareness of their new powers and ensure all youngsters knew the penalties that can be given.

In addition to the new powers, a dedicated ward officer is now based in the area.

PC Mick Lumsden brought a welcome police presence to the area and he is backed by two community support officers.

Manager of the Spar, Jacqui Bridges, said: "We have seen more police around over the past few weeks and PC Lumsden calls in most nights to check and see how we are doing. We are optimistic now that this problem will get better."

Mr Mayo has been trading for a decade and said that apart from the last two years he never had any problems.

He now hopes that things will settle down and is cautiously optimistic that the problem is being stamped out.

He said: "Youngsters still come down to the shops, but whereas they used to sit around drinking for four or five hours, they tend to just stay a few minutes now, then they move on."

Police Inspector Joanne Ball said: "I am pleased that residents and business people have noticed an improvement in the area and we intend to keep focused on the issues surrounding that location."

The next step in tackling anti-social behaviour is installing CCTV. A council spokesman said they expected the cameras to be installed "imminently."

Ms Bridges said: "Thankfully it has been so much quieter, there aren't so many kids hanging around and the CCTV will really be a good thing," she added.

Mr Mayo agreed: "The situation has been much better and the CCTV should help to reinforce the dispersal notices."