'BANG' plan makes a difference

The number of anti-social behaviour incidents over Halloween and Bonfire Night fell by a massive 85% this year.
Police received 185 anti-social behaviour-related calls from across Carmarthenshire between October 25 and November 6 compared to 335 the previous year – that’s 150 less incidents.
It shows partnership working between the police, council and fire service – as part of the BANG initiative which aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and fireworks misuse – is really making a difference.
Sgt David Gaskins, responsible for community safety, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the partnership and a lot of hard work has gone into this initiative which aims to make the Halloween and Bonfire Night period safe, enjoyable and as trouble-free as possible.
“This is now the fourth year we have been running this initiative and every year we have seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour, in particular, the results for this year are extremely pleasing and show that what we are doing is really making a difference.
“Obviously there were some minor isolated incidents in the county but with positive police intervention these were dealt with quickly and effectively.”
Of the 185 incidents, 25.4% (47) were youth related, compared to 30.4% (102) for the same period last year and 6.5% (12) were linked to alcohol, compared to 8.9% (30) last year.
Police and fire officers visited schools to talk to pupils, the youth service organised activities such as Blue Light discos, posters were again available for residents to put in their windows to say whether they welcomed trick or treaters and shops and supermarkets agreed not to sell flour and eggs to anyone under the age of 18. Police also stepped up patrols and confiscated any alcohol, fireworks, eggs and flour from young people.
One person was arrested for an alcohol-related offence during the period and 12 warning letters were sent by the council’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinator to parents.
Executive Board Member for Community Safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “By working in partnership and planning in advance both the younger and older members of the community have been able to enjoy the celebrations without any major problems or cause for distress.
“I am delighted that we have seen such a big reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents this year and we will continue to work together to make Carmarthenshire safer place for both residents and visitors to the county.”