Community Safety Partnership calls on public to report antisocial behaviour in Neath town centre 

Neath Port Talbot’s Community Safety Partnership is calling on the public to report any incidents of antisocial behaviour in Neath town centre to South Wales Police.

The Community Safety Partnership is a joint approach between South Wales Police, Neath Port Talbot Council and other support organisations to tackle antisocial behaviour and criminal activity in Neath town centre and elsewhere in the county borough.

Local Police Inspector Matt Otteson explains: “Quite often we are the first point of contact for anyone who wants to report anti-social behaviour or believes they are a victim. We want to ensure that everyone who contacts the police receives assistance and support. The nature of the call will help us determine the most appropriate response.

“Some calls regarding anti-social behaviour will not necessarily warrant police attendance. At times we will be able to offer advice over the phone or signpost the caller to one of our partner agencies who would be better placed to respond. For example if someone was having an issue with neighbours who were constantly playing loud music late at night then the local Council would be best placed to investigate.

“The local policing teams and neighbourhood officers are well attuned to the issues in the area. We know that being able to quickly identify emerging issues that may contribute to ASB allows us to take steps to prevent further escalation.

“While police remain the first point of contact for anyone reporting ASB, we are not always the best or most appropriate organisation to respond or offer support. Through the Neath Port Talbot Community Partnership we work with other statutory and voluntary agencies recognising that the solution to many community issues lies not just with police but with a range of organisations that are specially skilled and resourced.”

Incidents of antisocial behaviour can be reported to the police in a number of different ways including:

Online: https://bit.ly/SWPReportOnline  

Social Media: Send a direct message on Facebook or Twitter

Email: SWP101@south-wales.police.uk

Phone: 101

Councillor Leanne Jones, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, said: “We are appealing to the public to report incidents of antisocial behaviour directly to South Wales Police so they are able to build evidence and take action against those causing offence.

“Some of the people involved in anti-social behaviour in Neath are in genuine need of support and we are working with the relevant support agencies to ensure they get the help they need.

“Neath Town Centre has a lot to offer visitors, residents and businesses, and the Community Safety Partnership is keen to ensure the town’s reputation is not damaged by the behaviour of a minority.”

Some of the latest actions being taken by the Partnership include:

Operation Lilieum –The launch of Operation Lileum by South Wales Police on the 27th March 2021 has led to an increase in police activity and patrols, plus additional powers to disperse people intent on engaging in antisocial behaviour

Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) – The BCRP is continuing to grow its membership. The BCRP is a joint scheme between South Wales Police, Neath Port Talbot Council and town centre businesses in Neath and Port Talbot to reduce criminal activity. Businesses that sign up to the scheme are given access to benefits such as a radio surveillance system to communicate with other traders about criminal activity, and up to date photographs and information on local offenders.

Licensed premises – The Council’s Licensing Officers have engaged with businesses in Neath town centre reminding them of their responsibilities under the Licensing Act 2003 to help prevent crime and disorder and ensuring that alcohol is not sold to customers that are intoxicated. Officers have also encouraged premises to limit the sale of items such as single cans with the aim of preventing street drinking.

Support services – services such as WCADA (Welsh Centre for Action on Dependency and Addiction), Wallich, Platfform and the Salvation Army continue to offer outreach support to those battling addiction, or facing difficult times – taking services directly to people to help them engage in support and make better choices, and offer treatment services.

Housing and homelessness services – the council’s Housing Options service continues to meet regularly with South Wales Police to discuss the individuals of most concern and ensure appropriate action is taken and support provided.

At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, Welsh Government issued guidance to all local authorities stating any household/individual with no accommodation available to them was to be offered temporary accommodation. As a result of this the council saw a substantial increase in demand for temporary accommodation, more than doubling the normal demand, and had to source additional accommodation across the borough.

The Housing Options service only has a duty to house those with a connection to the county borough, except in exceptional and rare circumstances such as a person being unsafe in their home authority.

Investment into the town centre – work is continuing to progress on a new multi-million pound redevelopment scheme to make the town centre. The project will deliver a major leisure, wellbeing, shopping and learning zone for Neath’s town centre featuring a swimming pool, gym, health suite, retail floorspace and a modern library.

CCTV – the council has recently begun the tendering process to replace the current CCTV cameras with a modern digital solution capable of producing significantly higher definition images. There are more than 20 CCTV cameras in the Neath area which are in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Town Centre Support Officer – The council is currently in the process of recruiting a Town Centre Support Officer whose role will involve attracting greater footfall and promoting local shopping.

Engagement Events – The council’s Community Safety Team has restarted engagement events in the community, following changes to COVID-19 restrictions. This will include Neath town centre. This allows businesses and residents to speak to the team, and gain a better understanding of what issues matter to them and what is causing concern. The Community Safety Team can then work with partners to address these issues.