Gwent Police received just one call relating to antisocial behaviour in Rogerstone on the weekend two dispersal orders were introduced.
The Gwent Police Support Group, whose main role is to deal with very serious crime and public disorder, helped Newport West Neighbourhood policing Team patrol the area to enforce the dispersal orders in the Afon Village and Thornbury Park areas.
Officers dispersed 20 teenagers aged between 13 and 17 for making excessive amounts of noise, swearing and unruly behaviour on the weekend.
Those dispersed had their names and addresses taken and warning letters will be sent to their parents.
The Support Group and neighbourhood officers will again enforce the dispersal orders this weekend and their patrols will continue for the duration of the dispersal orders.
The Safer Newport partnership authorised the implementation of the two dispersal orders, which run from 8th June 2010 until 7th December 2010, after local residents raised antisocial behaviour as a PACT priority for Rogerstone.
Dispersal orders give police officers and PCSOs the power to direct any groups of two or more people, or vehicles, to leave a specified area.
Anyone who refuses to leave, or returns to the area within 24 hours, when ordered to do so can be arrested under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003.
PC Richie Gunter, of the Support Group, said: “We are keen to support our Neighbourhood Policing Team colleagues in tackling PACT priorities, particularly those involving antisocial behaviour.
“Antisocial behaviour in the Rogerstone area is a historical problem, but the introduction of the dispersal orders makes it easier for us to break up gangs of youngsters and make life better for residents.
“The 20 teenagers we dispersed on the first weekend left the area when we told them to do so and did not return.”
PC Paula Spence, of Newport West Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “Together with our colleagues from the Support Group, we are able to provide a high visibility presence in the area and deal with any antisocial behaviour effectively.
“We experienced a very quiet first weekend and we have received great feedback from the local community.”
Anyone who suffers or witnesses antisocial behaviour should call Gwent Police on 101.
