Specialist covert police to patrol Swansea’s Wind Street in crackdown on predatory behaviour

South Wales Police have announced that specialist police will be patrolling Swansea’s Wind Street during the Christmas period to “provide reassurance to revellers”.

The force say that following on from the success of the previous deployment of officers in 2021, specialist police officers will be carrying out covert operations to identify anyone who may be displaying signs of concerning predatory behaviour.

The officers will be working alongside uniformed colleagues, who will intervene and take positive action.

The operation will be running every Wednesday and Saturday night from this Wednesday, 23rd November, until Saturday 7th January.

Detective Inspector Chris Evans explains: “This initiative is focusing on the night-time economy and the Wind Street area in particular, in order to ensure that anyone visiting can have an enjoyable night, without the fear of being subjected to unwanted behaviour, particularly unwanted sexual advances. By using specialist officers, they will be able to identify concerning behaviour first hand and intervene quickly.”

“Officers will be working alongside door staff to provide guidance in relation to recognising predatory behaviours and if concerns are raised the officers will intervene.”

“I would like to provide reassurance that the likelihood of becoming a victim of any type of assault, whether that be a sexual or physical assault, is incredibly low, but that does not limit the harm done on those occasions when such crimes do take place.

“We are taking these steps in order to provide greater reassurance to the public and to prevent incidents developing and occurring around the Wind Street area.

“South Wales Police is committed to making Swansea safer and this is just one way in which we are working to tackle concerning and predatory behaviour.”