Residents and traders in a Welsh town are reporting a surge in crime that has turned their community into a “no-go area” after dark. Blackwood, in Caerphilly county, has seen a rise in anti-social behaviour, with incidents ranging from teens intimidating elderly people at the bus station to hurling bricks at shop windows. The situation has escalated to the point where businesses are closing early due to safety concerns, and residents no longer feel safe visiting the town in the evenings and on weekends.
Local reports describe groups of more than 20 teens causing havoc, with incidents such as a teen chasing another with a knife prompting the town council to take action. However, even council meetings have been disrupted by unruly individuals, leading to chaos and fears of escalating violence. The police have been called in to address the situation, but the community remains on edge due to ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour.
According to Gwent Police, a multi-agency operation has been launched in Blackwood town centre, resulting in several arrests for public order offences. However, residents and traders feel that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem. Deputy Mayor George Etheridge has expressed concerns over proposed cuts to safety wardens in the area, highlighting the importance of community support in tackling anti-social behaviour.
Despite the police implementing dispersal orders and making arrests, locals feel that the measures are not effective in deterring troublemakers. Incidents of knife crime and intimidation targeting younger children have left the community feeling unsafe, with businesses bearing the brunt of the disruptive behaviour. Many attribute the rise in anti-social behaviour to a lack of recreational facilities for young people, leading them to engage in destructive activities.
Traders in Blackwood have also reported vandalism and threats directed at the local market, with missiles being thrown at stalls and incidents of break-ins and intimidation. The situation has escalated to the point where elderly residents no longer feel safe waiting for buses, and businesses are facing financial losses due to the impact of crime on footfall. Efforts to address the issues by the local council and police have been met with mixed success, prompting calls for stronger measures to restore safety and order in the community.
Chief Inspector Stevie Warden of Gwent Police has acknowledged the challenges posed by anti-social behaviour in Blackwood, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach with community partners. While recent efforts have seen a decrease in incidents, the underlying issues persist, necessitating ongoing vigilance and proactive measures. Residents and traders are hopeful that sustained action will help reclaim their town from the grip of escalating crime and anti-social behaviour.