Amid the hustle and bustle of the festive season, North Wales Police have launched a rigorous campaign to tackle a spate of antisocial behaviour that has plagued Wrexham city centre. Reports have emerged of a gang of approximately 25 youths causing havoc by assaulting individuals, damaging properties, racially abusing locals, using drugs, and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation near shops, eateries, and the Wrexham bus station.
In response to this wave of disturbances, a dispersal order has been enforced across the city centre, commencing at 4 pm on Friday [Friday, December 20], and will remain in effect until 4 pm on Sunday, December 22. This initiative, known as Operation Restore, is being supported by Home Office funding to address trouble spots and will see an escalation in police patrols to maintain public safety. Inspector Heidi Stokes, who authorised the order, affirmed, “This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in our city, especially at a time when the festive period attracts large crowds. We want to assure the people of Wrexham that we are treating this issue with the utmost seriousness, and anyone found to be violating the dispersal order will face arrest.”
The Wrexham City Neighbourhood Policing Team will be actively patrolling the city on Friday evening to ensure the security of individuals enjoying their Christmas nights out. The team will prioritise the safety of women by addressing incidents of sexual aggression, harassment, or predatory behaviour. This effort is part of Operation Lex, a partnership with licensed premises, where officers are deployed every Friday and Saturday evening to provide a noticeable presence in the town centre.
Sergeant Sarah Hughes-Jones of Wrexham city emphasised, “Our goal is for people to have a fantastic time in Wrexham during the festive season. Officers will be visibly present and patrolling the city centre to facilitate everyone’s enjoyment safely, to address inappropriate behaviours, and to identify individuals causing concern or discomfort to others.” Daytime operations will involve collaborating with Wrexham Council enforcement to conduct spot checks on vehicles to identify unlicensed taxis operating in the area. Sergeant Hughes-Jones warned, “Riding in an unlicensed taxi can jeopardise your safety, as you may not know the driver’s identity or the safety of the vehicle. Always opt for a reputable taxi company that displays visible taxi plates both inside and outside the vehicle.”
He further advised, “If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel uneasy during a night out, do not hesitate to raise the alarm or contact the police promptly.” The police’s proactive measures aim to maintain peace and security in Wrexham, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy the festive season without fear or disruption. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement, community patrols, and local authorities demonstrate a commitment to upholding public safety and promoting a welcoming environment for all individuals in the city centre.
As the holiday celebrations continue, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to curb antisocial behaviour and maintain a peaceful environment for all. Whilst the dispersal order may inconvenience some, its implementation serves as a vital tool in deterring further disruptions and fostering a sense of security within the community. Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement, follow the directives of the dispersal order, and remain vigilant in reporting any incidents of concern, ensuring a safe and enjoyable festive season for all in Wrexham city centre.