A dispersal order covering parts of Newport came into effect at 8pm yesterday (Tuesday 26 September) following several reports of anti-social behaviour.
The order will remain in place until 8pm, on Thursday 28 September covering the Broad Mead Park, Pontfaen shops and the surrounding areas as shown on the below map.
Chief Inspector Amanda Thomas said:
“Following reports of anti-social behaviour in the Broad Mead Park area of Newport over the last few weeks, we have issued this dispersal and will be conducting additional patrols in the area.
“The behaviour of those involved in last night incidents, which includes reports of criminal damage to police vehicles, will not be tolerated and has huge ramifications for Gwent Police and our communities.
“These mindless act of vandalism means that not only have several operational vehicles been out of action for a short time over the past few weeks, affecting our ability to respond to emergency calls, but also one of our officers was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
“If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour, and see us on our patrols, please do stop to talk to us. Alternatively, you can report your concerns by calling 101, or by sending us a direct message via Facebook or Twitter.”
Dispersal orders give officers extra powers to direct groups to leave an area if they are involved in ASB or disorder, if members of the public are being harassed, alarmed or distressed or if officers think their behaviour may lead to ASB.
If they return to that area after being moved on, they face being arrested.
Following last night’s disorder, a man, aged 18 from Newport, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a class B drug. He has since been released on police bail. This behaviour will not be tolerated, and ongoing enquiries are being undertaken to identify those individuals that were also involved, and robust action will be taken.
Anyone with information, including dashcam or CCTV footage, of the anti-social behaviour on Monday 25 September is asked to call 101, or DM us on social media, quoting log reference 2300325784.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with details.
