Sergeant Tim Barrell, PC Andy Evans, Happy Homes manager Paul Carpenter, councillor Mark Protheroe, PC Martyn Langan and chief inspector Mathew Lewis at the launch of Operation Avalanche in Neath
A NEW campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour on the streets of Neath town centre has kicked-off.
Operation Avalanche — which brings together police, local traders, the council and other organisations — will target drunken behaviour, begging, and problems caused by groups of youngsters hanging around shops at the weekend, and will include extra patrols by officers.
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There also plans to launch a intend to create an "anti-social behaviour watch area" in the town centre, akin to the popular neighbourhood watch schemes that run in many residential areas.
South Wales Police's Neath neighbourhood sergeant Tim Barrell said anti-social behaviour could have a "devastating impact" on people's quality of life.
He said: "The campaign demonstrates a clear commitment to working in partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour, while reassuring the public that they can have confidence in the services we provide.
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"In addition to working closely with our partners within the retail trade, we are also utilising our police volunteers — they are an excellent resource, which enables police officers to work alongside people who live in the communities, which provides a great sense of ownership."
Left to right Sgt Tim Barrell, PC Martyn Langan, PC Andy Evans and Chief Inspector Mathew Lewis.
Those sentiments were echoed by Neath Port Talbot chief inspector Mathew Lewis, who said that by working with the other organisations involved in the scheme they could improve the town centre environment and "ensure it is a place for the communities of Neath to enjoy".
The chief inspector added that an important part of this operation would be to engage with youngsters to divert them away from criminality and also stop them becoming victims.
The new campaign was welcomed by Alun Morgan, manager of the town centre M&S store and a director of Neath Inspired which represents and promotes businesses in the town.
He said: "Working in partnership with the police and others has definitely made a difference and allows our loyal local shoppers to feel safe and secure in our town that has so much to offer."
Andrew Shufflebotham, Neath Inspired manager, said he believed the operation would have a significant effect on "improving the ambience of the town centre", adding that there were plans to create an "anti-social behaviour watch area" to further enhance the area.
The new campaign was also welcomed by Neath councillor Mark Protheroe, who said it was part of an on-going effort to make the town "a great place to live, work and visit".
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/operation-avalanche-targets-anti-social-behaviour-in-neath-town-centre/story-29826236-detail/story.html#oR8y1j5shw1MRjM6.99
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