Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A spook-tacular event is being arranged by Gwent Police in Rhymney this Halloween to help combat anti-social behaviour. 

Rhymney residents are invited to come along to the ‘Little Cop Shop of Horrors’ – a play on the musical Little Shop of Horrors – on October 31 at Rhymney Police Station. 

There will be the opportunity to make Halloween masks, play bingo and talk to officers. 

Xbox games will also be available in Gwent Police’s new gaming van along with sweets and treats.

This event is part of an ongoing effort by Gwent Police to combat antisocial behaviour in the town centre and surrounding wards.

Inspector Lysha Thompson said: “We know that not everyone sees the fun in Halloween and Bonfire Night, and it can be a time when reports of certain types of offences, such as antisocial behaviour, do tend to rise.”

Inspector Thompson continued: “This year the neighbourhood policing team based at Rhymney police station will be hosting an event to allow those wishing to celebrate the spookiest time of year in a safe setting with a range of fun activities, but it’s also an opportunity to meet the officers who cover the area and to find out what we’re doing to make it safer for our communities.

“Officers will still be carrying out their patrols and we hope to see those celebrating Halloween enjoy their evening in a safe and responsible manner.”

Ongoing response to antisocial behaviour

The event is the third phase of a broader initiative aimed at addressing antisocial behaviour in Rhymney town centre and its neighbouring areas.

It is part of the “robust” response promised by Gwent Police after a string of antisocial behaviour earlier this year.

In August 2023 alone three dispersal orders were issued by Gwent Police in the town. 

On October 23, two other events were held in Rhymney – a community assistance event outside the library and an evening meeting at the police station. 

At the evening meeting, Inspector Thompson shared results from phases one and two of the operation to highlight the successes of the neighbourhood policing team and the police’s partners across the Rhymney wards.

These results included:

• Eight people arrested and referred to the youth offending services;
• Six voluntarily attendees resulting in further YOS referrals;
• 69 ASB referrals submitted;
• One ASB injunction (ASBI) issued at court and four further ASBIs submitted to court;
• Eight acceptable behaviour contracts signed;
• One person reported for public nuisance following persistent reports of antisocial driving on an off-road bike;
• Six vehicles seized for no insurance;
• Two arrested arrests for drug driving offences;
• Number of licensing checks and a quantity of illegal vapes seized.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “Several of the youths involved in the reports of antisocial behaviour have not come back to our attention from the first phase of the antisocial behaviour strike process.”

The event will take place on October 31 at Rhymney Police Station from 4pm to 6pm.