LOCAL officers, including the Severnside Neighbourhood Policing Team, held an operation over the Bank Holiday weekend to tackle anti-social behaviour around Caldicot, Rogiet, Magor and Undy. 

Inspector Lysha Thompson issued a temporary dispersal order – the first time this power has been used in south Monmouthshire.

The dispersal order (issued under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014) provides Police Officers and Community Support Officers with the power to direct anyone to leave the specified area if they are involved in anti-social behaviour.

If they return to that area after being directed to leave, they could be arrested.

It was in place from 4pm on Friday 22nd May until the early hours of Saturday 23rd May.

The dispersal order applied to Magor Services, Undy, Caldicot Castle grounds, Newport Road, Jubilee Way and Chepstow Road in Caldicot.

On Friday night, officers patrolled these identified areas on foot and in vehicles. This was in response to growing concerns around the increasing numbers of young people gathering around the castle, town centre, parks, Magor Square and Magor Services.

There have been reports of anti-social behaviour, under-age drinking and the use of illegal drugs.

Officers only had to issue one dispersal notice on the night. A number of young people were spoken to and officers confiscated alcohol from a number of them.

One individual was also found to be in possession of a small amount of cannabis – they have been referred to the Youth Offending Service.

Monmouthshire South Inspector Lysha Thompson, said: "The operation on Friday night aimed to address growing concerns from members of the public about the behaviour that is being witnessed in some of these areas.

"Local officers are continuing to patrol and will take action against anyone that is found to be acting illegally."

To report anti-social behaviour, phone 101. In an emergency, dial 999.