Police given dispersal powers in Cardiff Bay and Porthmadog to tackle anti-social behaviour
Police have been given extra dispersal powers after antisocial incidents in Cardiff Bay and Porthmadog.
In Cardiff Bay, a 27-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker after two officers were injured during separate incidents in the area. South Wales Police said they are both remain in custody.
It said the the vast majority of visitors to Cardiff Bay acted responsibly, and abided the law and Covid19 restrictions.
However, officers dealt with a small number of disputes and incidents of violence, and were also required to police large crowds at taxi ranks.
A Section 35 Dispersal Order for the Mermaid Quay area has now been put in place to give officers additional powers to deal with people acting in an anti-social manner.
Detective Inspector Jeff Burton said: "The selfish actions of a minority left us with no choice but to impose the Section 35 dispersal notice for the area. Violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated."
“Those planning to visit Mermaid Quay this evening should be mindful that the dispersal order remains in place, and anyone intent on causing trouble or behaving in a way that law-abiding people will find offensive, should stay away or expect to be dealt with by our officers.”
He added: "I would urge people to do so safely and responsibly and, as well as abiding by the law, remembering to abide by Welsh Government social distancing measures which are designed for the benefit and safety of us all.”
Last month, police were issued with a Section 35 Dispersal Order after 'alcohol fuelled' incidents in Cardiff Bay.
In Porthmadog, North Wales Police said the order was granted following an increase of calls about people gathering in the town centre and drinking alcohol in public spaces. This included reports of people behaving in an antisocial manner into the early hours of the morning.
Sgt Colin Jones said: “We are taking these necessary measures to protect the local community. The community should not have to experience or suffer such behaviour that has been evident in recent weeks. A breach of this order is an offence that can lead to arrest and prosecution.”
“We are committed to delivering safer neighbourhoods and to make North Wales the safest place in the UK”.
What is a Section 35 dispersal order?
It aim to ensure the safety of the public, and reduce the risk of any anti-social behaviour or disorder within an area.
The order gives a uniformed police officer the power to ban a person from an area for a period of up to 48 hours by the issuing of a written notice.
Cardiff Bay has been a litter hotspot since lockdown as people gather outdoors to socialise. Overflowing bins and rubbish have been a problem a number of times.