Following a number of incidents in the Barry Island area today (Wednesday, 22 July), a Section 35 has been put in place by South Wales Police – this will give officers additional powers to deal with people acting in an anti-social manner.

Large numbers of youths have been gathering in the area and there have been outbreaks of disorder - officers are now utilising Section 35 powers to disperse crowds who are acting in an anti-social manner.

In addition to the Section 35 dispersal order, police will also be using powers to confiscate alcohol and if the behaviour meets criminal levels or the order is breached then perpetrators risk being prosecuted.

Chief Inspector Michelle Conquer from South Wales Police, said: "Our officers have been called to a number of disturbances in the Barry Island area this evening. It is a place enjoyed by people of all ages, at all times of the day, and such behaviour won't be tolerated.

"Officers will be maintaining a visible presence in the area and our officers will proactively deal with any issues that arise – our message to anybody intent on going to Barry Island to cause trouble or behave in a way that law abiding people will find offensive, is to stay away."

Section 35 dispersal orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, aim to ensure the safety of the public, and reduce the risk of any anti-social behaviour or disorder within this area.

The order gives a uniformed police officer the power to exclude a person from an area for a period of up to 48 hours by the issuing of a written notice.

The power is preventative and allows an officer to deal quickly with someone's behaviour before it escalates. It is in addition to the current Covid-19 legislation.