Examining crowd behaviour: Has public conduct at events worsened or stayed the same?
The article discusses recent disturbing crowd behaviour at the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York, where golf fans directed abuse, including homophobic insults and physical objects like beer cups, at players and their families. This has reignited debate about whether crowd behaviour has deteriorated in rece... [More info]
Darwin workers, tourists spat at and abused after security patrol hours cut
By Jack Hislop
There's been a spike in reports of violent and anti-social incidents in the CBD, as Darwin businesses call for more government investment in late-night security patrols.
#Crime #HospitalityIndustry #AntisocialBehaviour #Safety #Police #StateandTerritoryGovernment #JackHislop
Police to issue Lichfield city centre dispersal order as part of efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour
Civil liberties groups in England are raising concerns about the increasing use of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) by local authorities to regulate and criminalise normal activities under the guise of managing antisocial behaviour. These new rules prohibit a range of behaviours such as shout... [More info]
Police investigating after anti-social behaviour targets elderly residents in Lichfield
Swansea BID and police partnership secures prosecution of prolific graffiti vandal
The offender, whose repeated tagging blighted businesses and public property, was caught following a police operation made possible by intelligence and photographic evidence provided by Swansea BID members, aided by the SentrySIS crime reporting system.
Swansea Business Improvement District said the case demonstrates the strength of its ongoing partnership with police in tackling anti‑social behaviour and keeping the city centre safe and welcoming.
Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID manager, said: “Graffiti vandalism is not a victimless crime. It affects the appearance, safety perception, and reputation of our city centre, and causes real costs and distress to local businesses.
“We are proud to support our BID businesses by working closely with South Wales Police to take a firm stand against anti‑social behaviour, and we are currently exploring options to recover the removal costs from the offender.
“This case is a clear example of how our intelligence‑sharing tools, particularly the SentrySIS platform, empower businesses to report, record, and support action against persistent offenders. We will continue to champion a zero‑tolerance approach to vandalism and ensure our city centre remains vibrant, safe, and thriving.”
The BID’s investment in crime prevention includes promoting the SentrySIS platform, which allows businesses to securely log incidents and build a detailed picture of offenders operating in the area.
South Wales Police Inspector Andrew Hedley said: “The information provided by Swansea BID and city centre businesses was instrumental in securing this prosecution. We’re committed to continuing our partnership with Swansea BID to keep our city centre safe and resilient against crime and anti‑social behaviour.”
Swansea BID says the outcome sends a strong message that graffiti and other forms of vandalism will not be tolerated in the city.
#antisocialBehaviour #BusinessImprovementDistrict #graffiti #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #SwanseaBID #SwanseaCityCentre #vandalism
Former Escape Nightclub in Swansea Becomes Hotspot for Drug Use and Anti-Social Behaviour
Officers from the Swansea City Neighbourhood Team attended the building on Northampton Lane, where they discovered four unsecured doors providing access to the derelict property. The force’s Estates team promptly secured the site while officers attempted to contact the current owner, who has since been informed of the building’s dangerous condition.
Owners of neighbouring venue Jubblys were also on scene, helping to clear and secure the land in front of the former nightclub. Officers have pledged to carry out regular patrols in the area to ensure the premises remains secure and to prevent further incidents.
Escape, which closed in 2015, was once a legendary fixture in the UK club scene. Opened in 1995, it hosted global DJs such as Carl Cox, Paul Van Dyk, Pete Tong, and Ferry Corsten, and even spawned its own festival, Escape Into The Park, held at Singleton Park. At its peak, the venue welcomed up to 1,190 clubbers and employed around 80 staff.
Despite its cultural significance, the building has remained untouched for a decade, with its original signage still intact. In 2017, developers Tower Pension Trustees submitted a pre-application enquiry to Swansea Council proposing to demolish the nightclub and replace it with a four-storey block of 54 student flats. The plans included seven common rooms, laundry and storage facilities, but no car parking. The proposal aimed to revitalise the area, which includes a gym and multi-storey car park, by introducing a well-used development.
However, the redevelopment never progressed beyond the enquiry stage, leaving the site vulnerable to decay and misuse. The recent police intervention underscores the consequences of stalled regeneration and the importance of securing disused urban spaces.
As Swansea continues to evolve, the fate of Escape remains uncertain—caught between its storied past and an unrealised future.
#antisocialBehaviour #EscapeNightclub #Jubblys #NorthamptonLane #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre
North Qld city divided on plan to re-criminalise public drunkenness
By Meghan Dansie and Georgia Loney
Townsville, a city once described as "ground zero" in Queensland's crime crisis, has its say on public drunkenness and antisocial behaviour.
#AntisocialBehaviour #Crime #RoyalCommissions #Businesses #Alcohol #Laws #MeghanDansie #GeorgiaLoney
City centre activities and events aim to cut risk of anti-social behaviour
A varied programme of events designed to engage young people and reduce anti-social behaviour in Swansea’s city centre will run throughout the school summer holidays.
Drop-in rugby sessions, social gatherings, barbecues, a police community day and an inter-generational music festival in St David’s Square are among the activities planned. The programme expands on last year’s City Chill initiative, which contributed to a significant drop in anti-social behaviour across the city centre and marina area during the summer break.
A key part of this year’s programme is the continuation of Tackle After Dark, a weekly evening session run by Ospreys in the Community, in partnership with South Wales Police and Swansea Council. Held at the Collaboration Station in the former Cranes Music store, the initiative has attracted around 30 young people each week since April.
Inspector Andrew Hedley said the programme is already making a difference. “We are pleased to support the ongoing partnership initiative with Swansea Council and Ospreys in the Community and have already seen the benefits of increased interaction between officers and those in attendance,” he said. “This is just one example of the significant engagement work ongoing over the summer which aims to provide young people with a safe environment and positive things to do, to reduce the chances of anti-social behaviour being committed.”
Councillor Hayley Gwilliam, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, said the Collaboration Station will be a hub of activity this summer. “Some people are often too quick to criticise young people today but they have come up with some great ideas and have shown energy and positivity as we have worked with partners to plan a summer of activities,” she said. “The offering at the Collaboration Station is in addition to hundreds of free and low cost activities for young people and families funded by the council across all areas of Swansea as part of our #HereForYouThisSummer campaign”.
Tom Sloane, head of community foundation at Ospreys in the Community, said the initiative is helping to build trust and promote respect. “Through initiatives like Tackle After Dark, we’re not only creating a safe and welcoming space for young people to connect and grow, but also showing how sport can play a powerful role in building trust, breaking down barriers, and promoting respect,” he said. “The engagement and enthusiasm we’ve seen week after week proves there’s a real appetite for opportunities that are inclusive, supportive, and community-driven.”
#antisocialBehaviour #CityChill #CllrHayleyGwilliam #CollaborationStation #HereForYouThisSummer #OspreysInTheCommunity #SouthWalesPolice #StDavidSSquare #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #TackleAfterDark
Llanelli town centre to see summer crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour
The town is one of more than 500 locations across the UK signed up to the Home Secretary’s Safer Streets summer blitz, which will see Dyfed Powys Police ramp up visible patrols during peak hours and work alongside councils and local partners to deter criminal activity.
The initiative has been welcomed by Dame Nia Griffith, Labour MP for Llanelli, who said the increased presence would help restore confidence among shoppers and businesses:
“Residents and local businesses have the right to feel safe in our town centre and the increased policing and enforcement will play an important part in sending a clear message to those intent on causing problems that their behaviour will not be tolerated. Putting more officers back on the beat where people can see them will make a real difference.”
She added:
“The Conservatives decimated neighbourhood policing whilst crimes like shoplifting and street theft were spiralling out of control and communities like ours here in Llanelli unfortunately paid the price.”
The crackdown comes in response to a sharp rise in shoplifting and street crime under the previous UK Conservative Government, with shop theft reportedly increasing by 70% in its final two years in office.
As part of the UK Labour Government’s Plan for Change, Dyfed Powys Police will receive 33 additional neighbourhood officers this year, backed by a £200 million investment in community policing nationwide.
Local Police and Crime Commissioners have developed bespoke action plans designed to support town centres by banning repeat offenders from hotspots, partnering with retailers and councils to disrupt crime, and coordinating community-led efforts to support vulnerable individuals and young people.
The Home Office is also introducing a Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy, which will use shared data to target organised criminal gangs and prolific offenders, including those stealing to fund addiction.
Other towns in the Dyfed Powys area participating in the blitz include Carmarthen, Aberystwyth, Brecon, Builth Wells, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Newtown and Tenby.
#antisocialBehaviour #DyfedPowysPolice #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #saferStreets
Extra police patrols planned to tackle anti-social behaviour hotspots in Staffordshire
Crackdown on city centre e-bike use announced
Operation Lathyrus, which will commence in June, will see South Wales Police, Swansea Council and Swansea BID join forces to educate and provide guidance to riders regarding current law.
Police say that following this educational phase, an enforcement phase will then take place to address offenders who persist in breaking the rules and causing further anti-social behaviour.
The operation follows feedback from local residents, businesses and visitors who have raised concerns regarding the irresponsible use of these bikes throughout the City Centre area, whether on pavements or in pedestrianised areas.
At present, electric bikes are legally allowed on public roads and cycle paths in Wales as long as they comply with certain requirements. According to the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (Amendment) Regulations 2015, e-bikes must have pedals, a maximum power output of 250 watts, and provide assistance only when the rider is pedalling. Additionally, the electric assistance should cease once the bike reaches a speed of 15.5 miles per hour.
Electric bike riders in Wales are expected to abide by the same safety regulations as cyclists. This includes wearing a properly fitting helmet, using lights and reflectors when riding at night or in low visibility conditions and obeying traffic laws. By adhering to these safety requirements, e-bike riders can minimise the risk of accidents and contribute to a safer cycling environment.
The punishment for riding a bike on the pavement is an immediate £30 fixed penalty notice fine. This is charged under Schedule 3 and Section 51 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.
City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Andrew Hedley said: “The increase in use of e-bikes and e-scooters has grown significantly over the past few years. Whilst many people adhere to the law when operating these, there remain a segment of people who think that the law does not apply to them. It is these who then cause anti-social behaviour and fear to those persons going about their daily routines.
“The operation sets out to educate riders in relation to the law and advise them of their actions. Anti-social use of these e-bikes and e-scooters will not be tolerated and those continuing to break the law will be dealt with more robustly.
“We take all forms of anti-social behaviour seriously, and work closely with our partner agencies to tackle and prevent this, responding to the concerns raised by those affected.”
Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, tourism, events and regeneration, said: “We all want a city centre that’s welcoming for everyone to visit and enjoy their shopping, visiting a restaurant, café or our award-winning indoor market.
“It isn’t right that a small minority are spoiling it for the rest of us with their anti-social behaviour. That’s why, alongside BID and South Wales Police, we’d urge e-bike users to follow the rules.
“We fully support the campaign which will help ensure the city centre is a place we can all enjoy safely.”
Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID Manager, said: “Swansea city centre should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone, and we fully support Operation Lathyrus in helping to make that a reality.
“The rise in illegal and unsafe e-bikes poses a real risk to pedestrians and undermines the positive experience we work hard to create for visitors, businesses, and residents alike.
“This partnership between South Wales Police and Swansea Council is a proactive step toward reclaiming our streets for safe, enjoyable use, and we’re proud to stand behind it, especially as it’s something so important for our Swansea BID levy payers.”
#antisocialBehaviour #eBike #Swansea #SwanseaBID #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil
Police to crush e-scooters and off-road bikes used anti-socially within 48 hours
Perpetrators of anti-social driving face having their cars, e-scooters or off-road bikes seized and destroyed after 48 hours under stronger powers proposed by the UK Government. Currently, police must wait 14 days before being able to dispose of a vehicle, making it easier for offenders to reclaim their vehicles and with a limited deterrent to repeat offending.
The measures to fast-track the disposal of vehicles comes alongside additional proposals to give police stronger powers to seize any vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing them.
Communities across Swansea have been plagued by people riding offroad bikes in an antisocial way.
Police say they have received an “increase in calls regarding off-road bikes in and around the Loughor and Pontarddulais areas in recent weeks”.
Just last week, Swansea Bay News reported photos taken by a local resident that showed five offroad motorbikes being driven through Loughor, with riders – some of which are wearing balaclavas rather than helmets – pulling wheelies and driving in a dangerous manner.
Residents say this is a “massive problem” and that offroad bikes “ride on pavements, footpaths, play areas and roads and have no regards for their own or others safety.”
Gower MP, Tonia Antoniazzi says she supports the UK Government’s crackdown.
Ms Antioniazzi said: “It’s sad that it’s come to this, but people have the right to feel safe in their streets. If off-road bikes and scooters are being deliberately driven in residential roads to cause a nuisance and intimidate people tough action is needed. I welcome what the government is doing to support the police to tackle antisocial behaviour and prevent reoffending”
South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools said: “These new powers send a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities in Wales: swift justice will be delivered and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Sales of e-scooters and off-road bikes have rapidly increased, so today is an important step in tackling more serious crime in Wales, with the vehicles often used to facilitate drug dealing, organised acquisitive crime and serious violence.”
#antisocialBehaviour #Loughor #offRoadBikes #PoliceAndCrimeCommissioner #SouthWalesPolice #ToniaAntoniazziMP #UKGovernment
Residents terrified of ‘intimidating’ off-road bikes in Loughor are demanding action
Photos taken by local resident, Robert Neil on Tuesday (20 May) show five offroad motorbikes being driven down Castle Street in Loughor, with riders – some of which are wearing balaclavas rather than helmets – pulling wheelies and driving in a dangerous manner.
A 67-year-old local resident, who didn’t want her name published for fear of reprisals, said: “I was intimidated by these idiots. I had to stop to let a car through and they drove right up to by bumper revving their bikes constantly. I had to pull to the side to get rid of them. They went speeding off four in a line and easily could have killed or injure someone.”
Off-road bikes being driven dangerously in LoughorLocal resident Sara Nabialek said: “It is a massive problem. I live in Gorseinon near the cycle paths and we regularly get off road bikes driving around Parc Melyn Mynach where there is a children’s play area, kids in their bikes and lots of dog walkers.
“Yesterday a lady with sight difficulties and a white stick was walking towards the path with her child when an off road bike went shooting from the main road up the path towards the play area.
“I saw three of these lunatics driving from the housing estate by Asda on the roads, Out onto Valeo roads. These are off road bikes so have no tax MOT or insurance.
“Over the years I’ve reported bikes to the police, I’ve raised the issue with our MP twice and still the problem continues and worsens.
“They ride on pavements, footpaths, play areas and roads and have no regards for their own or others safety. They know the police won’t and can’t do anything to stop them so they continue. I fear nothing will change until someone is injured or worse killed by one of these clowns.”
Writing on social media, Megan Johnson said: “The ones with no helmets and balaclavas I’ve seen around Gorseinon before. These and the E scooters on pavements and roads need to be stopped. Speed bumps don’t work with these kids.”
An anonymous poster added: “They were at the estuary foreshore earlier. Riding along the path while people were walking dogs there. A matter of time before someone gets injured.”
The police have said they have had an increasing number of calls about off-road bikes in the area, and are calling on the public to report sightings so they can respond more effectively.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “We received a report of off-road bikes and/or e-bikes being ridden anti-socially in the area of Castle Street, Loughor, Swansea at around 6.45pm on Tuesday May 20.
“We have had an increase in calls regarding off-road bikes in and around the Loughor and Pontarddulais areas in recent weeks.
“The local Neighbourhood Policing Team are aware of this matter and looking at possible solutions to address the issue. PCSOs have attended the area to reassure the community.
“We encourage reports from members of public so that we can identify patterns and trends to respond more efficiently. If you know the identity of any of the riders involved in this anti-social behaviour, please report it to us via 101, quoting 2500159794.”
#antisocialBehaviour #featured #Gorseinon #Loughor #offRoadBikes #Pontarddulais #SouthWalesPolice
Taskforce aims to clamp down on Aberavon Beach antisocial behaviour
The operation sees South Wales Police work closely in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council, Safer Neath Port Talbot, the RNLI and other agencies in order to make the beachfront a pleasant space for all to enjoy.
Police say that on occasions throughout the summer, Section 35 dispersal will be authorised on the beachfront, meaning that people involved in anti-social behaviour will be required to leave the area.
The designated area to leave is defined as: Entirety of the Beach area including The ‘Small Beach’, North Pier, and the entirety of the promenade area including businesses along the promenade such as Remo’s and Franco’s to Baglan Bay Beach, including the dunes at this beach.
Inspector Jared Easton from South Wales Police said: “Op Adriatic is a co-ordinated multi-agency response which has been launched to ensure that Aberavon Seafront remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone this spring and summer. The operation will focus on engaging with the public and preventing any anti-social behaviour.
“The operation is part of a wider seasonal approach to support the local community and visitors by encouraging positive behaviour and promoting shared responsibility for keeping the beach environment safe and respectful.
“Partnership working is key, and by combining resources and sharing intelligence, we’re better-placed to prevent issues from escalating and offer support where needed.
“By engaging early and often, we can prevent issues before they start and ensure everyone feels safe and included.”
Councillor Alun Llewelyn, Deputy Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council and Cabinet Member for Housing & Community Safety, said: “Operation Adriatic is a vital part of our summer safety plans, and through our Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership, we will be working closely with South Wales Police and other partners to keep Aberavon Seafront safe and enjoyable for all.
“The beachfront is one of our county borough’s most loved spaces, and we know how important it is to local families, residents and businesses. By combining our efforts—whether that’s through community engagement, youth outreach, or targeted enforcement where needed—we’re helping create a welcoming environment where everyone can feel safe.”
Clive Morris, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “Operation Adriatic is now entering its fourth season. It was developed to make the beachfront area a safer and more desirable place for everyone to enjoy. The RNLI has teamed up with other agencies to reduce response times to incidents involving missing persons and to enhance overall safety coverage along the seafront.
“By working together, we’ve created a vibrant and welcoming beachfront that continues to attract more visitors. It’s always a pleasure to see our partners at South Wales Police working from our station — their presence makes a real difference.”
#Aberavon #AberavonBeach #antisocialBehaviour #PortTalbot #RNLI #SouthWalesPolice
Police dispersal order to target Dyfatty antisocial behaviour
Police say that a Section 35 dispersal order has been put in place in the area of Griffith John Street in Swansea, following issues with anti-social behaviour and other offences in recent weeks.
They say an increased policing presence will be visible in the area over the coming days.
Inspector Andrew Hedley from South Wales Police said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour anywhere in the force area, but over the last couple of weeks this has become a notable problem in this area in particular.
“This is causing undue distress on the many law-abiding residents living within the area. A good number of those committing the anti-social behaviour do not live in the area.
“Our officers will attend the area and will act swiftly to disrupt any form of anti-social behaviour that they see.”
CCTV systems were recently upgraded at the council-owned flats at Griffith John Street in a bid to tackle antisocial behaviour.
#antisocialBehaviour #Dyfatty #GriffithJohnStreet #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea
Just been out with a watering can to soak the pavement outside my back yard in the hope it will put off the half dozen or so dogs who shit there every day. Cannot understand the mentality of people who let their dogs run around unattended. #DogShit #AntiSocialBehaviour
Carmarthenshire teens step up to tackle anti-social behaviour
As part of a Dyfed Powys Police campaign aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour across the force area, Volunteer Police Cadets have been distributing leaflets in key hotspot areas in Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford.
So far, nearly 2,000 leaflets have been delivered, encouraging residents to complete a short questionnaire and provide feedback to help officers better respond to community needs.
The cadets have clocked up nearly 100 hours of volunteering between them and a further leaflet drop with take place in Ammanford over the next few weeks.
The Police Cadet scheme is a nationally recognised free program that gives young people aged between 13 and 17-years-old the opportunity to make friends, develop leadership skills, engage with the police and contribute positively in the community. They take part in a two-hour weekly structured programme at various locations across the force and help to enhance the relationship between the public and police.
Rhian Curtis, Force Volunteer Police Cadet Officer, said: “Very often teenagers are unfairly labelled as being the cause of anti-social behaviour, but our cadets are proving that young people can be part of the solution. They are committed, enthusiastic and eager to make a difference in their local areas.
“Part of the aim of the cadets is to support local policing policies through volunteering and Operation Ivydene falls within this remit.
“We encourage residents to fill in the survey, which will not only provide feedback to the police but also show the cadets how beneficial their hard work has been.
“By taking proactive steps to support crime prevention and community engagement, the cadets are demonstrating that young people can play a crucial role in fostering safer neighbourhoods.”
(Lead image: Dyfed Powys Police)
#Ammanford #antisocialBehaviour #cadets #Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #DyfedPowysPolice #Llanelli #teenagers
£380k awarded to Community projects across South-East England http://dlvr.it/TJQF0D #Antisocialbehaviour #Charity #EastSussex #Kent
