Police Dispersal Order put in place on Barry Island

Penarth, Barry Island, Rhoose Point and Ogmore-by-Sea

Glamorgan Star news 19/07/2022

2 minutes read

A policing operation launched to keep coastal areas of the Vale safe has seen a Dispersal Order placed on Barry Island yesterday evening.

South Wales Police (SWP) made an unusual step by taking to social media to inform people they should “avoid the area” due to large crowds and traffic congestion.

A SWP spokesperson said: “#AVOID THE AREA | We are aware of large crowds gathering in the #Barry Island area.

“There is heavy traffic congestion as a result. Please avoid the area unless essential.

“A Section 35 dispersal order is now in place in the Barry Island area.

“Police officers and PCSOs will be able to instruct anybody who is causing, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to leave an area.

“It also gives officers the power to remove anyone under 16 and take them to where they live or a safe place.

“The power is preventative and allows an officer to deal quickly with someone’s behaviour before it escalates.”

Others on social media gave a snapshot of what they had experienced last night.

Nicola Biggs commented: “Was down there when they started to gather! Luckily me and my son and parents got off the island before things got worse!”

Shane Evans added: “Took our children here today will never take them to Barry again rough as guts gone such a shame tho as Barry was always a nice place to take them but not any more.”

In recent days a SWP campaign named Operation Elstree has begun and covers Cardiff and the Vale.

Aimed at keeping coastal areas safe and family-friendly over the summer, SWP claim there was a 32% reduction in anti-social behaviour last year, and that “Operation Elstree 22” will once again involve increased patrols and where appropriate, dispersal powers.

Operation Elstree is now running until September and covers key locations including Cardiff Bay, Penarth and Barry Island, as well as the Heritage Coastline stretch between Rhoose Point and Ogmore-by-Sea.

A spokesperson for SWP said: “Local neighbourhood officers will be supported by colleagues from across SWP as well as a range of colleagues from our partner agencies.

“This team effort is intended to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour while ensuring the quiet enjoyment of coastal areas for law-abiding residents and visitors.

“Last night, as a result of large crowds gathering on Barry Island, a Section 35 dispersal order was put in place.

“This order, which has been extended for a further 24 hours until 4pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 20th July), gives officers the power to remove anyone under 16 and take them to where they live or a safe place.

“Officers will also be able to instruct anybody who is causing, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to leave an area.

“The power is preventative and allows an officer to deal quickly with someone’s behaviour before it escalates

Inspector Stuart McDean from SWP said: “The vast majority of people who visit our beautiful coastal areas behave appropriately and in accordance with the regulations.

“But we will not tolerate the behaviour of a minority who consume excess alcohol, litter and ruin the quiet enjoyment for law-abiding citizens.

“Anti-social behaviour and criminality has a detrimental impact on our communities and we will continue to proactively patrol key areas to prevent such activity.”

SWP say that visitors to coastal areas over the coming weeks can be reassured that, where appropriate, further Section 35 dispersal powers will be place to prevent anti-social behaviour. Operation Elstree will also tackle concerns about underage drinking, tombstoning and anti-social use of off-road bikes and quads.