Police have been granted extra powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour in the Rhondda town of Porth on Bonfire Night. A dispersal order covering a large part of Porth town centre came into force at 5pm on Thursday and will remain in place for 24 hours. The same powers were used by officers in the area over the Halloween weekend.
The move follows dispersal orders also being granted for the Ely, Caerau and Fairwater areas of Cardiff for Bonfire Night. South Wales Police is asking parents to speak to their children about their behaviour and has warned those considering getting involved that officers will be patrolling the streets in Porth and will take action if needed.
Community reports of rising anti-social behaviour
The force said the order follows reports from the community about a recent rise in anti-social behaviour in the area. The order has been granted under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, which allows police officers to designate areas for a dispersal order for up to 48 hours.
It gives officers on the ground the power to order people to move away, even if they are not committing a crime. If they refuse, it can become a criminal offence. The dispersal order covers a large area of Porth town centre from 5pm on Thursday, November 5 until 5pm on Friday, November 6.
Officers can direct individuals to leave for 24 hours
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "The order enables officers to direct individuals or groups to leave the area for 24 hours if their behaviour has or is likely to contribute to disorder or cause harassment, alarm, or distress to members of the public. Those who are under the age of 16 and subject to this legislation will be taken home or to a place of safety."
Chief Inspector Tony Williams added: "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 bonfire night and officers will take action against anyone displaying behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress to others in the community."
