South Wales Police have been granted extra powers under a Dispersal Order covering part of Aberdare town centre for the Halloween weekend, following similar measures in Porth. The order allows officers to direct individuals or groups to leave the area for 48 hours if their behaviour has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress.
Details of the Aberdare Dispersal Order
The second order, covering part of Aberdare, came into effect on Saturday, October 31 at 3pm and runs until Sunday, November 1 at 3pm. It covers the centre of Aberdare. The order for Porth town centre was put in place on Friday, October 30 and runs until Sunday, November 1.
Dispersal orders are granted under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. Those under the age of 16 who are subject to this legislation will be taken home or to a place of safety, South Wales Police said.
Police appeal to parents
South Wales Police repeated requests to parents to speak to their children about not getting mixed up in anti-social behaviour as the second Dispersal Order was issued. Chief Inspector Tony Williams said: "We understand concerns from the community following recent reports of a rise in reports of anti-social behaviour."
"I urge parents and guardians to speak to their young people about not getting involved in anti-social behaviour. We will have proactive patrols in place over the Halloween weekend and officers will take action against anyone displaying behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress to others in the community."
Extra police patrols will be in force in both Aberdare and Porth, with officers able to order people to leave an area for 48 hours if they are causing, or likely to cause, a disturbance.
