Operation Lion – reducing alcohol related violence in towns

Police have launched a campaign to help reduce town centre alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and violent crime in Tenby.

Inspector Mark McSweeney said, “I want to ensure that Tenby is a safe place for residents and visitors to enjoy. However, members of the public must also take responsibility for their own actions and take measures to stay safe and not commit offences.

“Whilst there is not a big problem with alcohol related violence, I know that as the town centre gets busier during the summer the number of incidents increases.

“During July and August we always have extra officers on a Saturday and Sunday nights as Tenby is a popular beach resort and popular with groups of people visiting the town.

“However I am aware that over the last two Saturdays in particular, there have been issues with anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol during the day as well, especially by large groups of people. To address these problems I am now going to have extra designated Police Constables on duty during the day from Saturday 18th July until the end of August.  These designated constables will walk the streets of Tenby during the day and deal with any anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“Officers will also be at the Railway Station to meet people travelling by train to Tenby. The officers will engage with the visitors and provide the appropriate advice to stay safe and out of trouble while they are in Tenby”

“I have met with both licensees and the licensing authority to make sure that the messages get to all the right places.”

“I would also like to encourage local people to contact police if they are concerned about anti-social behaviour activity and assure the public that I am monitoring all reports.

“I want to encourage people to come to the town centre as it is a lively and vibrant place to be. We must consider the needs of our residents, shop keepers and visitors – especially those with young families and the elderly. I also want to remind people to think about the consequences of consuming too much alcohol and the decisions they make that could result in putting themselves in positions where they become vulnerable, or they drink so much it results in them committing crimes on other people and, potentially, ending up with a prison sentence.”