Police ramp up patrols in Swansea city centre to target antisocial behaviour

Named Operation Viscaria, South Wales Polic say the team will be providing a heightened policing presence to act as a deterrent to a range of issues affecting the city centre.

From Monday (20 November) there will be an increased visible police presence in the city centre so those working and visiting the town centre can expect to see additional neighbourhood police officers.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Mark Watkins said: “The behaviour that has been reported to us over the past 6 months in the city centre it totally unacceptable.

“We are introducing this additional high visibility patrol team to make sure that no one who lives, works, or shops in Swansea town centre is subjected to threatening or intimidating behaviour.

“The Op Viscaria team will be given discretionary powers to disperse individuals or groups causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to others. It enables officers to issue a dispersal order, which covers a specific area for up to 48 hours, allowing them to instruct individuals, aged 10 or over, to leave the area and not return for a designated period.

“Anti-social behaviour is a priority for us and we’re working together with our partners at Swansea Council and Swansea Bid to deal with the issues.

“ASB and associated criminal activity has a significant detrimental impact on the local community and businesses and we are committed to doing all we can to combat it.”

(Lead image: South Wales Police)