Police have extra powers to deal with youngsters causing anti-social behaviour this weekend after shocking videos showed 40 youths shooting fireworks at cars on Halloween night. South Wales Police were called to reports of a large group of people throwing eggs and shooting fireworks at oncoming cars before laughing and running away near High Street in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf on Monday night.
South Wales Police has now given extra powers to officers on the ground as residents remain concerned ahead of bonfire night. The dispersal order, which is granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, will apply to those aged 10 years and over and will be in place for 48 hours from 6pm on Friday, November 4, to 6pm on Sunday, November 6.
It will cover a large area centred on the high street. Anyone aged 10-16 years of age subject to this legislation will be removed to their home address or to a place of safety. Police officers and PCSOs will also have the power to seize any property which officers suspect is being used to cause anti social behaviour.
Local policing inspector Mark Saunders said: “The behaviour of certain individuals in Ferndale over the Halloween weekend was unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Large gangs proceeded to throw eggs at cars and fireworks at people and vehicles.
“This weekend, the team will have additional resources and will be conducting high visibility patrols in the community to reassure the public and deal with any issues to ensure that residents remain and feel safe."
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