Young people high on psychoactive substances are committing crimes in Bridgend town centre, police and council officials have warned.
Concerns about the use of the drugs – also known as legal highs – have been raised due to the number of people also needing urgent medical treatment.
Police said that in one case, two young men were found in Market Street in an “incoherent and aggressive” state last month. Both had taken psychoactive substances and needed urgent medical help.
Read more: Emergency admissions caused by 'legal highs' rise by 1,460% in just three years at Welsh hospital
Community Safety Inspector Naomi Drew warned the emergency services are having to deal with the consequences of legal high use on a regular basis.
“My message is for people to start waking up to the real threat these substances pose to individuals,” she said.
'They seem to think these drugs come without risks'
Police said psychoactive substances have played a part in “a number of incidents” and that those taking the drugs – which are designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs and can have stimulant or hallucinogenic properties – are more likely to lose their inhibitions and commit crime and anti-social behaviour.
Police said that what is even more concerning is the number of people who are being taken to hospital in need of medical assistance after falling victim to the drugs’ often-dangerous effects.
Insp Drew said: “Typically, emergency calls involve young individuals who are in need of medical assistance or who are committing crime or anti-social behaviour while under the influence of these substances.
“My primary concern is for their safety, as they appear to believe that these drugs come without risks, or repercussions, and of course that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Tackling the use and sale of psychoactive substances is a priority for the Bridgend Community Safety Partnership. Police will be working with key partners such as Trading Standards to prevent the sale of psychoactive substances over the counter, but the public play a vital role too.”
Younger generation 'ill informed'
Earlier this year, a Trading Standards Investigation, supported by South Wales Police, resulted in Atif Iqbal, the owner of the Izzit shop in Nolton Street, Bridgend, being fined £3,960 for six offences under the General Product Safety Regulations. He was also ordered to pay £4,000 in costs.
Insp Drew added: “Our younger generations are ill-informed and have serious misconceptions about them. Misconceptions stem from the fact these substances are often referred to as legal highs: they deduce that if it’s legal, it’s safe.
“It is up to parents, peers, teachers, youth workers and anybody else in a position of authority, who can reach out to these young people, to understand the risks, spot the signs of abuse, and make appropriate interventions.”
Taking it 'extremely seriously'
Bridgend County Borough Council Leader Mel Nott said: “The council and police are taking the matter extremely seriously and worked together earlier in the year to successfully bring a prosecution against a local supplier.
For full story see - http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/how-young-people-using-legal-10414343
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