Police have confirmed that dispersal orders will be put in place in Wrexham after a group of youths caused chaos in the city centre. North Wales Police say that patrols in the area will be stepped up after reports of assault, a fire extinguisher being set off, signs and coins allegedly thrown at shop staff and younger children chased by one particular group of 20 plus youths.
After the incidents on Monday night, January 23, Wrexham’s Inspector Luke Hughes said a dispersal order will be authorised on Wednesday, January 25, from 5pm until midnight. He added that additional officers will be on patrol to enforce the restriction. If anyone breaches the order, it could lead to an arrest.
North Wales Live reported that two further dispersal orders could follow at the weekend. The dispersal orders will prohibit any gatherings of people that police believe will involve themselves in antisocial behaviour or disorder.
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In a social media statement, Inspector Hughes said: "Over the weekend, we have had a number of low level anti-social behaviour reports in the city centre - in particular Regent Street and the area of a certain fast food outlet, Eagles Meadow and a certain bowling alley, and the bus station.
"I have spoken about these locations a few times and the concerns I have about youths gathering, as well as some of the behaviours we were starting to see that were causing concern and upset. Sadly, last night was problematic. We had multiple reports between 5pm and 10pm of one particular group of youths, that at times numbered 20-30, roaming between locations. There was more than one allegation of assault, a fire extinguisher set off, signs and coins thrown at shop staff and younger children chased by this group.
"I was absolutely appalled when I received the overnight incidents. I am determined to address this behaviour. We did apprehend a few, and took a few home, but I’m not content that this will fix the issue long term."
He continued: "Once again, we have large retailers interested in occupying our empty shop space. We have significant interest on an international platform in our football club. And we have a calendar full of activities through the next twelve months.
"I absolutely will not allow this to be compromised because of a small minority of people and my intention is to deal firmly with this issue. I will be writing to two locations, who are equally responsible for resolving this situation, asking them for their support in restricting access at certain times.
"We will also start a local working group to establish what activities we can find for these young people to become involved in. Can I ask, if you are involved in any activities for young people aged 10 – 18, such as sports, cadets, youth clubs, please drop me a message and I’ll arrange for contact. I feel it is unfair to simply displace this group. We need to work with them and occupy their time."
Regarding the dispersal order set in place on Wednesday, he added: "I will have additional officers to enforce this restriction and I want you, the parents, to ensure your children are not accidentally caught up in this.
"Most people that visit Wrexham city in the evening do so for genuine reasons. Sadly, over recent weeks, a minority have not. These are the ones who I need to target, and these are the ones that will be held to account. I want your support in this as it really matters that we get this right."
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