The neighbourhood policing team covering Cardiff City Centre has launched a month-long operation in their beat parks to prevent crime.
From tomorrow – Saturday, May 7 – officers will be on patrol in plain clothes and on bikes to reduce anti social behaviour and deter offences particularly those against young people, including mobile phone theft.
PCSOs and youth workers will also be engaging with young people and providing crime prevention advice in a repeat of an operation carried out during the last two summers.
PCSOs will also be conducting a questionnaire in the parks to measure public confidence.
The neighbourhood policing blitz will cover Alexandra Gardens, Gorsedd Gardens, and Bute Park every Saturday from 1pm until 9pm, when the parks close.
Any young people found drinking will have their alcohol seized and their parents will be contacted.
Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Karen McNeil said: “Cardiff city centre is fortunate to have beautiful park lands which are rightly enjoyed by people of all ages particularly at this time of year.
“Unfortunately during the nice weather the parks can attract underage drinkers who are vulnerable to harm due to their drunken state and can also often contribute to anti social behaviour.
“The team will be carrying out regular patrols in the parks to ensure everyone has a safe and peaceful summer.”
Officers will be working in partnership with the local authority’s Grass Roots project.
In 2010 14 arrests were made and in 2009 incidents of robbery were dramatically reduced.
