A four week summer time operation has been hailed a success in Rhymney after the confiscation of over 200 cans and bottles of alcohol from underage drinkers during Friday evenings of the summer holidays.
The operation, which was conducted by Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards Service and Community Safety Wardens, specifically targeted Friday nights after concerns had been raised by local residents about the rise in anti-social behaviour – linked with teenagers drinking alcohol and resulting in several incidents of criminal damage.
The first part of the operation was to target local shops who were selling alcohol to minors and also to target any proxy sales near to the premises (Persons over 18 buying alcohol on behalf of minors).
This resulted in two proxy sales and one person receiving a fixed penalty notice for £80.
The second part of the operation was to follow up on any disorder resulting from teenagers consuming alcohol. Results included:
- 45 persons stopped and searched for alcohol.
- Over 200 cans/bottles seized.
- Further intelligence received relating to other hot spot areas.
- 1 person arrested for Section 5 Public Order (resulting in a £80 FPN)
Inspector for the Bargoed and Rhymney Neighbourhood Policing Team, Huw Jones explains: “The partnership operation was introduced to respond to the concerns of local residents. Anti-social behaviour remains a PACT priority in the area and this operation has contributed to the significant decreases in this type of behaviour in Rhymney“.
He continued, “We want to remind the communities of Rhymney that disorder and underage drinking will not be tolerated and our approach is to target those youngsters found in possession of alcohol, but just as importantly those adults who are supplying them.”
Cllr Rob Gough, Cabinet Member for Public Protection said, “Multi agency operations such as this really help lay down a clear message that we will not allow the anti-social behaviour of a small minority to affect the quality of life of the majority”.
He continued, “Our team of Trading Standards Officers and Community Safety Wardens work tirelessly on a daily basis to help make our county borough a safer places to live and visit, and by pooling our resources with colleagues from Gwent Police on targeted operations such as this, we are able to make a real positive difference to the lives of our residents”.
Coordinated patrols tackling underage drinking and anti-social behaviour will continue to take place in Rhymney and other areas of Caerphilly county borough.
If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour in your area, please contact Gwent Police on 101 to report incidents or visit the website at www.gwent.police.uk to find contact details for your local policing team. With your help, we can continue to make a difference.
