Anti-social behaviour in South Wales

An action plan to tackle anti-social behaviour in South Wales communities is being launched today (June 15). 

The Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Together plan sets out how South Wales Police and a range of partners will work together to target offenders, support communities and bring long-lasting solutions to local problems. It demonstrates a clear programme of action to tackle persistent offenders, strengthen visibility in key locations and deliver faster, more consistent responses to the issues affecting communities. 

It reflects the principles of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and aligns closely with the South Wales Police Delivery Plan and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s, Crime and Justice Plan. At its heart is a simple but powerful ambition: to provide visible, accessible and victim-focused policing that tackles the issues that matter most to our communities and delivers a consistent, high-quality service across South Wales. 

Assistant Chief Constable Trudi Meyrick said: “Anti-social behaviour remains one of the issues that most affects how safe people feel in their homes, their streets and their communities. It is often described as “low level”, yet for those who experience it, its impact is anything but. It can erode confidence, damage wellbeing, and undermine the pride people rightly have in the places where they live and work. 

“The causes of anti-social behaviour are often complex and intertwined with wider vulnerability, unmet need and environmental factors. Our approach therefore places partnership at its core, working with local authorities, health boards, housing providers, youth services, the voluntary sector and communities themselves to deliver sustainable solutions, not short-term fixes. 

“We have built a detailed understanding of the issues people want us to prioritise, and the standards of service they rightly expect. We will continue to listen, to act on feedback, and ensure that every report of anti-social behaviour receives a consistent, proportionate and victim-centred response.” 

The UK Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, launched as part of the Safer Streets Mission, aims to increase public confidence in policing and enhance the capacity and capability of the neighbourhood policing workforce to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. 

The new plan highlights the scale of the anti-social behaviour problem in South Wales and sets out in detail how police and partners will work together to problem-solve and bring sustainable change. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools said: “This plan reinforces my commitment to putting victims first, strengthening public confidence and ensuring neighbourhood policing remains visible and accessible. It is about being clear that anti-social behaviour will not be ignored, and that communities across South Wales deserve to feel safe in their everyday lives. 

“Our ambition is straightforward: Safer streets, stronger neighbourhoods and a South Wales where everyone can live without fear and with confidence in the services that exist to protect them.”