Guest Article – North Wales Police
Co-ordinated policing operations aimed at maximising public safety during the festive period will be in place in Wrexham this weekend.
A dispersal order will be in place in the city centre until Sunday, December 22nd, following a recent increase in anti-social behaviour.
We have received several recent reports of incidents by a group of around 25 youths committing assaults, racial abuse and criminal damage, engaging in drug use and intimidating staff and members of the public at retail premises, food outlets and Wrexham bus station.
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As a result, Inspector Heidi Stokes has authorised a dispersal order to be put in place from 4pm today, Friday, December 20th, until 4pm on Sunday, covering the area outlined on the map below.
Additional patrols will be assigned to the city centre as part of Operation Restore, facilitated by Home Office funding to target anti-social behaviour hotspot areas.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated in our city, particularly at a time when there are large numbers of people visiting over the festive period,” Inspector Stokes said.
“I want to reassure the people of Wrexham that we are taking this matter seriously and anyone who fails to comply with this dispersal order will be arrested.
“The order gives officers and PCSOs the power to direct anybody engaging in anti-social behaviour to leave the area and not to return.”
he Wrexham City Neighbourhood Policing Team will also be on patrol on Friday evening to ensure people are kept safe while enjoying festive nights out.
They will have a high visibility presence in the city centre to reduce offending and provide reassurance to women by challenging anyone who displays sexual aggression, harassment or inappropriate and predatory behaviours.
It comes as part of Operation Lex, an initiative partnership with licensed premises, that sees officers deployed every Friday and Saturday evening to provide a high visibility presence in the town centre to keep people safe.
A North Wales Police licensing officer will also be out on patrol in the city centre, linking in with licensed premises to raise awareness of the Ask for Angela initiative and offering advice on how to help protect customers.
Wrexham city Sergeant Sarah Hughes-Jones added: “We want people to come into Wrexham over the festive period and have a great time.
“Officers will be actively deployed and patrolling the city centre to help everyone safely enjoy their night, to challenge inappropriate behaviours and to look out for any individuals who are causing concern or makes people feel uncomfortable.
“Protecting women and young girls from harassment, abuse and violence is a priority for us, which is why we are continuously working with our partners, including venues, to ensure people feel safe visiting our city at night.”
During the daytime, officers will also work together with Wrexham Council enforcement to carry out spot checks on vehicles to identify any unlicenced taxis operating in the area.
Sergeant Hughes-Jones added: “The aim of the checks is to ensure all licenses and vehicle details are up to date. While the majority of drivers are hardworking and honest, we’ll be looking to identify any who are abusing their position and pose a risk to passengers.
“Getting into an unlicensed taxi could put your safety at risk, as you may not know who is driving or if the vehicle is safe. Always book a taxi through a reputable company. Licensed taxis must display taxi plates both in and outside of the vehicle.
“Should you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable during a night out, consider raising the alarm or calling the police as soon as possible.”
More information is available on the Ask for Angela campaign here: Home – Ask For Angela
