Police In Barry Crack Down On Anti-Social Behaviour Hot Spots: Operation Skylark

Police in Barry have been cracking down on anti-social behaviour hot spots in the area in an operation designed to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder.

Known as Operation Skylark, the campaign aimed to enforce the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) around Barry. The operation involved Barry police officers, British Transport Police as well as the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s civil enforcement team.

PSPOs are in place to combat persistent anti-social behaviour in public spaces. These orders allow the council and police to work jointly to tackle community problems such as alcohol, dog fouling, and littering.

The operation took place during two very busy weekends this summer in Barry Island on August 4 and August 18. Alcohol was removed from people travelling on trains, on the promenade and beach areas on Barry Island where the PSPO orders are in place.

Police Sergeant Mark John said:

“In the summer months we often see an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour. Alcohol is a key factor with people drinking excessively around parks and on the street – in this area it is Barry Island.

“This reduces the quality of life for local residents and is frequently a precursor of later incidents of more serious incidents of crime and disorder.

“This operation was to educate the public through the use of banners which were put in place and direct individuals to stop drinking in the PSPO areas. Any person not complying with a direction given by a designated officer commits a criminal offence and can be dealt with by way of fixed penalty notice, court summons or even arrest if necessary.

“The operation involved officers in high visibility carrying out foot patrols in the designated areas and engaging with members of the public. The primary focus of the operation was to educate the public around the orders, seize alcohol and prevent anti-social behaviour which will also reduce more serious crime and disorder because of the early intervention.

“The enforcement of these PSPO areas helps create a more family friendly environment and this in turn can boost the popularity of Barry Island for tourism and trade in the area.”

Officers also confiscated a large quantity of alcohol from underage drinkers who had gathered at Porthkerry Park following their GCSE results last week.

The teenagers were spoken to by officers about the dangers of underage drinking.
Officers are investigating where the alcohol came from so that they can take further action if necessary.

Adults who are found to be buying alcohol for under 18s can be fined £80 and also risk further prosecution by the courts. Licensed premises can also be fined and may even lose their license.

Anyone with information about underage drinking or alcohol sale to under 18s in the Barry area should call us on 101.