Shopkeepers in Barry's Kings Square say groups of bored children and young teenagers are throwing objects at passers-by and shoplifting, but most believe the youngsters are more annoying than violent and are not criminals.
On a grey Saturday afternoon, groups of 12 to 14-year-olds sat on the steps of Barry Town Hall and Library, with occasional play fights breaking out. Previous outbreaks of anti-social behaviour led to police being granted extra powers to disperse them.
Dispersal orders and police patrols
Police have spoken to the parents of 40 young people causing problems in the area. Three times in October, Dispersal Orders were granted allowing police to tell people to leave the area for 48 hours. Those orders have now expired, but officers are still on regular patrols.
Messages about bad behaviour along Holton Road are sent via a walkie-talkie system used by traders. Reports include bricks thrown at windows, shoplifting and abuse.
Shopkeepers speak out
Marc Cheshire, who has run the Ceasars Coffee Lounge on Kings Square for 17 years, said the worst the group has done is call him an "ugly nonce" or return with a "gang" of other children. He intervened last week when he saw some of the group arguing over a bicycle.
"I have just watched them throwing things at people walking past. They are just kids and they are bored so they provoke people and the police. Last week some of them called me 'ugly' and 'nonce'. It was just ridiculous. One of the kids was trying to steal a bike from another kid so I went to have a chat with them," he said.
"You have to be like one of the boys with them. If you call the police that just gets them excited. I took the bike off him and he called me an 'ugly nonce' and then came back with a gang to try and steal the bike again. I went out and said 'boys, do you need some help?'. It was ridiculous."
He added: "They say things like 'the police can't lock me up bro', but they are just being kids. They may take it a bit far some days and some of their parents don't give a sh**, but they are just bored kids. One day what looked like a 10 year-old called me a 'pussy'. I mean, he's joking me."
Police response
Sergeant Andrew Nealon said: "I understand the concerns in the community regarding anti-social behaviour, and we remain committed to ensuring our town centres are a safe space for people to shop, work, and enjoy.
"To date, we have taken a range of proactive and reactive measures to tackle the issue. We have so far identified 40 young people in connection with officers visiting their homes, speaking to parents and guardians, and referring through the anti-social behaviour framework as required."
Other measures include dispersal orders in hot-spot areas, proactive patrols, and the review of CCTV availability. Police are also working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, schools, and youth justice services.
Traders say the police have been responsive but there is a limit to what they can do about anti-social behaviour, especially where no crime has been committed. They wonder whether the problem of bored and rowdy young people is something the area will have to put up with and hope it does not get worse.
