“Significantly fewer antisocial behaviour reports” during dispersal orders

Dispersal orders in place in Bargoed and Rhymney over the weekend led to “significantly fewer antisocial behaviour reports”, Gwent Police has said.

In a response to “slight increases” antisocial behaviour in those areas, police enforced the dispersal orders between Friday evening and Sunday evening.

It was the second weekend this month where a dispersal order was in place in Bargoed.

Police were given the power to stop people from entering the affected areas if they believed they had engaged or would have engaged in antisocial behaviour.

If somebody who had been turned away by police had returned to that area, they faced being arrested.

In March this year, railings around the Bargoed Park rugby pitch, where Bargoed RFC and AFC Bargoed play, were damaged, while smashed glass – believed to be from broken bottles – was left strewn across the park.

A group of around 30 to 40 youths were seen in the area at the time.

Last month, dispersal orders enforced in Newbridge, Pontllanfraith and Cefn Fforest.

In a statement, Gwent Police said the orders are being put in place as a result of increased antisocial behaviour.

No arrests relating to the dispersal orders were made over the weekend.

Inspector Lysha Thompson, of Gwent Police, said: “Following the issuing of the dispersal order on Friday afternoon, we received significantly fewer antisocial behaviour reports in Bargoed and Rhymney over the weekend.

“My team and I would like to thank the public for their cooperation.

“Gwent Police regularly works with partners, including the council, to tackle antisocial behaviour which negatively impacts upon the quality of life for residents. It will not be tolerated within our communities.”