8:30pm Thursday 21st March 2013
PONTYPOOL community support officers are tackling anti-social behaviour at Pontypool Active Living Centre and now have a stand in the foyer of the building.
Over the last six months, centre staff and members of the public have reported increasing numbers of issues involving teenagers causing trouble in the café and around the entrance to the centre.
Problems such as shouting, swearing, under-age drinking, drug taking and criminal damage have also been reported in the rugby stand and park.
Centre staff remove the offenders from the building and community support officers patrol the area, however the problems return when the officers leave.
Issues have historically been worse on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.
The three officers will use the stand as a base from 4pm until centre closing time and will patrol the park and rugby stand when the centre is closed.
The stand is next to the café and reception to enable officers to see if anyone is causing any trouble and will be a base for officers to talk to people who have concerns.
Any youths found under-age drinking will have their alcohol seized and they will be referred to an anti-social behaviour panel at Pontypool Police Station for further action, which could include an anti-social behaviour order being issued.
Offenders could also face a fine or be arrested and receive a criminal record.
Community service officers Laura Lewis said: “We won’t tolerate staff and visitors being intimidated and anyone looking to come to the area to cause anti-social behaviour or commit crime will be dealt with.”
If you would like to contact Pontypool neighbourhood team call 01495 232450 or visit gwent.police.uk for more information about surgery dates.
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