Police, trading standards and community safety wardens have begun a campaign to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder in town centres during the Six Nations.
Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council, who are both members of the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership, will be working together to tackle a range of issues over the coming weeks.
Officers are contacting all licensees in the area ahead of the first match on Saturday February 4 to remind them of their role in serving alcohol responsibly.
Licensees are also being encouraged to check that their CCTV systems are working correctly.
During the tournament, police and trading standards will be visiting licensed premises to check that all door staff are SIA (Security Industry Authority) approved, the premises are safe and adhering to the licensing conditions.
Local officers, together with the council’s Community Safety Wardens will also be providing an increased presence in the town centres to deter any crime and disorder on match days.
In Blackwood, Caerphilly and Risca town centre, they will be joined by Street Pastors, a group of volunteers who offer care and support to people on nights out on Fridays and Saturdays. Their pastoral role includes helping to prevent people from becoming victims of crime as well as promoting personal and community safety in the town centre.
Inspector Kevin Childs, of Gwent Police, said: “We want people to enjoy the Six Nations, but to act responsibly when they are out in local pubs and clubs. The majority of people do, and we are working with our partners and the licensing trade to prevent those individuals who drink too much, from going on to cause disorder in our town centres.”
Cllr Rob Gough, cabinet member for public protection said: “I would encourage people out enjoying the Six Nations festivities to work with us to ensure that everyone remains safe.
“With a traditional increase in alcohol consumption over this period, tempers can occasionally flare, but by acting responsibly and sensibly you will be helping us and our partners to ensure that everyone has a safe, trouble-free and enjoyable time.”
The Gwent Police Mobile Police station will also be out over a variety of Six Nations matches:
- Saturday February 4 – 10am to 5pm – Church Street in Bedwas, Morrisons in Caerphilly and the Trethomas area
- Sunday February 5 – 6pm to 9pm Bargoed
- Sunday February 12 – 6pm to 9pm Bargoed
- Saturday February 25 – 5pm to 10pm – Ystrad Mynach town centre
- Saturday March 10 – 10am to 10pm) Ystrad Mynach town centre
- Saturday March 17 – 12pm to 6pm) Caerphilly town centre