Partnership approach credited with success
Figures released by Swansea Council and South Wales Police show a 12.1% reduction in reported anti‑social behaviour during the 2025 school holidays. It follows a 38% fall recorded in 2024.
The improvement has been linked to joint work between the council, police and more than 60 partner organisations, who ran a programme of activities for young people at the pop‑up Collaboration Station in St David’s Square.
Over the summer, 98 events, workshops and activities were staged, including an intergenerational festival that drew more than 900 people for a day of music and performances.
Police highlight Operation Daylily
City Centre Inspector Andrew Hedley said the policing operation, known as Operation Daylily, had built on last year’s success.
“We have been able to build on the success of last year to successfully reduce anti‑social behaviour even further,” he said.
“The already established strong partnership working has again been integral to the success of this operation. The addition of a pop‑up base further added to this success in providing a safe and cohesive space for all to use and importantly, signpost relevant people to.”
Inspector Hedley added that while the reduction was positive, more work was needed to make the city centre “a better place to live, work and visit which is free from those intent on causing crime and anti‑social behaviour.”
Council praises young people’s role
Cllr Alyson Anthony, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said young people had played a key part in the summer programme.
“People can sometimes be too quick to criticise young people, but they brought real energy and some great ideas to the sessions and activities,” she said.
She added that the Collaboration Station work was in addition to “hundreds of free and low‑cost activities for children, young people and families funded by the council across all areas of Swansea.”
Council leader thanks partners
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:
“I’d like to thank the police for their enthusiasm in working with us and indeed all our other partners who played an important role this summer.
I think we can all be pleased that there has again been a reported reduction in ASB over the school period. This shows these partnerships really do deliver for all our residents.”
