LLANELLI: Police crack down on North Dock anti-social behaviour hotspot as spring season begins

Police are stepping up patrols at Llanelli’s North Dock waterfront this spring after the area established itself as an annual anti-social behaviour hotspot — with officers warning they will take “robust action” against those who spoil it for others.

Dyfed-Powys Police say reports of problems at North Dock increase every year as the weather improves and more people are drawn to the popular waterfront location. Complaints received by the force include reckless and dangerous driving, items being thrown at other vehicles, excessively loud music and persistent horn beeping.

The force’s local neighbourhood policing and prevention teams will carry out additional patrols throughout the spring and summer, working alongside Carmarthenshire County Council and local businesses to address the problem.

The scale of last year’s operation gives a sense of what officers are prepared to deploy. During a proactive crackdown in March 2025, the force issued 18 vehicle prohibitions, 18 traffic offence reports, seized two vehicles, issued Section 59 warning notices for anti-social driving, made two arrests for drug driving and handed out two out-of-court disposals for drug offences — all in a single operation.

Inspector Thomas Coppock, of Carmarthenshire Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention, said the force wanted people to enjoy the area but would not tolerate behaviour that ruined it for others.

Inspector Thomas Coppock from Dyfed-Powys Police said:

“Each year as the weather improves, people will naturally want to get outside and enjoy the sun by going to areas like North Dock in Llanelli. First and foremost, we want all members of our community to enjoy spending time outside together in one of the many beautiful locations across our police force.

“However, sadly North Dock has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, including reckless driving, at this time of year. Unfortunately the acts of a small minority can affect the enjoyment of the majority when this behaviour occurs.

“We will be present to hear any of your concerns, as well as proactively looking to engage with the local community with officers on patrol. We aim to provide a reassuring presence for people to feel safe, while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.

“If necessary, we will be ready to take robust action by using the powers available to us as police, and working closely with partner agencies.”

Officers are encouraging anyone who experiences or witnesses anti-social behaviour at North Dock to report it directly to Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

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‘Worst he’s seen in 33 years’ – Council appeals for witnesses after 70 trees vandalised in Swansea park

The council has described the damage as the worst example of tree vandalism a staff member has seen in 33 years of service. The issue has been reported to South Wales Police and the council is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Almost all the new trees planted in the much-loved community park over the last 15 years have been attacked. Parks staff discovered last week that the trees had been hacked at with a knife or small bladed tool, with the bark stripped away by pulling.

Among the damaged trees were cherry trees donated to Swansea by the Japanese consulate in Wales.

Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Swansea Council, condemned the attack, calling it an “insult to the local community.”

“Someone will know who did this and I’d urge them to come forward and report it to police. They can do it anonymously if they want,” he said.

“The extent of the damage to so many trees would have taken a long time with a concerted effort, going tree to tree both sides of the paths and off into the centre of muddy fields. Cherry trees donated to Swansea by the Japanese consulate in Wales were not spared. It’s just very shaming.”

He added:

“This kind of damage is shocking and an insult to the local community that’s seen these trees grow and thrive.”

Parc Llewelyn recently celebrated the opening of an upgraded play area, making it a popular destination for families in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to report it to the police, quoting crime reference number 2600037943.

Police impose dispersal order in Gorseinon after rise in anti‑social behaviour

A Section 35 order was authorised on Thursday afternoon, giving officers extra powers to move people on if they are causing harassment, alarm or distress. The order covers a wide area of Gorseinon and will remain in force from 4pm until midnight.

Police say the dispersal zone stretches across the centre of Gorseinon, running from the ALDI and ASDA end of town, across Parc Melyn Mynach and up towards Gorseinon Hospital, before looping around Parc y Werin. The order covers the main routes and gathering spots where officers say problems have been concentrated in recent weeks.

South Wales Police said the decision follows several weeks of problems in the town, particularly on Thursday evenings, with reports ranging from nuisance behaviour to more serious incidents.

Sergeant Molly Llewellyn, South Wales Police, said the behaviour seen recently “will not be tolerated” and urged parents to make sure they know where their children are tonight.

“We have seen an increase in anti‑social behaviour and criminal activity in and around the area on Thursday evenings. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. We are appealing to parents and guardians to ensure they know where their children are and what they are doing, and to help us keep our community safe,” she said.

She added that officers will be out in greater numbers throughout the evening to reassure residents and clamp down on disorder.

“There will be increased visibility from the Neighbourhood Policing Team to disrupt this type of behaviour, provide reassurance, and help build trust and confidence within the community.”

The force has published a map showing the full area covered by the dispersal zone.

Man playing country music out loud from his phone on the bus.

I hope he gets home to discover that his dog won't hunt, his truck won't start, his wife has run off with the pastor after draining every last drop of liquor in the house, and that he can't even shoot himself because his gun is jammed.

#Bus #EverydayAnnoyances #AntisocialBehaviour #CountryMusic #PublicTransport #MassTransit

Police hope Lichfield city centre dispersal order will prevent anti-social behaviour by groups of young people

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/02/04/police-hope-lichfield-city-centre-dispersal-order-will-prevent-anti-social-behaviour-by-groups-of-young-people/

Police granted extra powers after antisocial behaviour at two Llanelli retail parks

A dispersal order has been authorised for Parc Trostre and Parc Pemberton, giving officers the ability to remove anyone causing — or likely to cause — harassment, alarm or distress. The order came into force at 12pm today (17 January) and will remain in place until 12am on Monday 19 January.

Crackdown follows rise in trouble around shops and fast‑food outlets

The move follows a rise in reports of groups causing trouble around major stores and fast‑food outlets, including Tesco, Morrisons and McDonald’s. Police say the behaviour has escalated in recent days, prompting the need for tougher measures to protect shoppers and staff.

Under the order, officers can instruct people to leave the area immediately and can seize any property suspected of being used to cause antisocial behaviour. Anyone who refuses to comply risks arrest.

Police: ‘We will not tolerate this behaviour’

A Dyfed‑Powys Police spokesperson said:

“We have seen an increase in antisocial behaviour around the Trostre and Pemberton retail parks over the past week.

“The dispersal order gives officers additional powers to deal swiftly with anyone causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress.

“We will not tolerate behaviour that impacts businesses, staff or members of the public.”

Shoppers say behaviour has become ‘shocking’

Regular visitors to the retail parks say the situation has been deteriorating for weeks.

Mandy Tucker said the behaviour around McDonald’s had become “beyond” acceptable, adding that the abuse aimed at security staff was “totally unacceptable”.

Rita Coughlin, who was shopping with her two children, described being struck by toilet paper thrown by a group of boys inside Tesco.

“It was quite a shock and if it wasn’t me they hit it could’ve been worse,” she said. “What these youngsters do nowadays near Tesco and McDonald’s is shocking.”

Nadine Cole Jenkins, who uses a wheelchair, said the atmosphere had become frightening.

“It’s very scary for myself and my children who support me. It’s not nice — very upsetting.”

Others reported disruption inside shops.

Sian Peel said staff in B&M were being left to deal with “shocking” behaviour.

“They hang around by the entrance on their bikes and the language is shocking. They are in and out of the store causing disruption.”

Louise Richards said staff at McDonald’s looked “deflated” after dealing with large groups causing trouble.

“The parents of those kids should be utterly ashamed.”

Jo Jo added that many parents would be “shocked” if they saw how their children were behaving.

Order covers key shopping hotspots

The dispersal zone includes:

• Parc Trostre Retail Park
• Tesco, Trostre
• McDonald’s, Llanelli
• Parc Pemberton
• Morrisons, Llanelli
• Premier Inn, Llandafen Road

Police are urging anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour to report it via the force website, by emailing 101@dyfed‑powys.police.uk or calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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