EditorPolice 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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