Anti-social behaviour in Pontypridd and Aberdare town centres has seen a decrease over the last three years following the implementation of street drinking controls. According to new figures, the total number of anti-social behaviour incidents recorded by South Wales Police has reduced in both areas. In Pontypridd, there was a 23% drop from 183 incidents in 2021-22 to 140 in 2023-24, while in Aberdare, there was a 29% decrease from 305 incidents to 217 during the same period.
However, despite the decline in anti-social behaviour, Pontypridd and Aberdare still record the highest number of incidents in the county between 2021 and 2024. The areas were designated as “intoxicating substances exclusion zones” in 2018 and 2021 due to high levels of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. Repeat offenders have been identified as a challenge in enforcing the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in these town centres.
The report presented to the Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s community services scrutiny committee outlines that efforts have been made to educate and deter individuals from violating the PSPO. Measures such as warning letters, on-the-spot fines, and community protection notices have been issued to offenders. Positive outcomes have been observed for individuals who comply with the PSPO regulations, but repeat offenders remain a concern.
The report highlights the collaborative efforts of the council’s community safety team with South Wales Police and other support agencies to address anti-social behaviour effectively. It acknowledges public support for the PSPO restrictions in Pontypridd and Aberdare, as evidenced by the majority of respondents favouring an extension of three years.
One of the benefits of the PSPO is its role in preventing and disrupting anti-social behaviour by allowing enforcement officers to intervene in situations where disorder is likely to occur. The enforcement procedures aim to educate individuals about the consequences of non-compliance with the PSPO. The consultation also revealed public perception supporting the PSPO’s positive impact on improving the quality of life in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Moving forward, the council’s community safety team intends to continue working closely with enforcement partners to address complex issues like anti-social behaviour and street drinking effectively. The proposals in the report advocate for a holistic approach involving diverse strategies to tackle these societal challenges. The report underscores the importance of community engagement and enforcement measures in maintaining public order and safety in the region.