Police make 119 arrests in crackdown on youth anti-social behaviour in Rhyl

Police have made 119 arrests as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour involving a large group of youths in Rhyl.

A total of 48 temporary banning notices have also been issued as officers respond to community concerns.

Some of the arrests made were of people allegedly linked to the sexual exploitation and illegal supply of alcohol to young people within the group.

North Wales Police said it had seen a decrease in incidents as a result of the actions taken.

In a wide-ranging update on the situation, the region’s police force said: “We are aware of community concern in relation to anti-social behaviour in the Rhyl town centre area in recent months.

“As many local residents and businesses will be aware, a particular group of around 15-20 youths have been linked to repeated incidents of anti-social and threatening behaviour in the area.

“One question that is often asked on social media is “what are the police doing about this?”.

“This is an entirely reasonable question, as the public have a right to expect that their local police will prioritise what matters to them.

“Over recent months North Wales Police have launched specific operations to deal with youth related disorder and child exploitation in Rhyl.

“Within that period a total of 119 arrests have been made of individuals identified as part of the group referred to above.

“The vast majority of those arrests have led to offenders being put before the court and referrals to various support networks, aimed at reducing youth offending.

“Officers have also issued 48 temporary banning notices in the last few months under the authority of the Public Space Protection Order in place in the town centre.

“Recognising the link between youth offending and child exploitation, North Wales Police have also worked to safeguard vulnerable youths within that same group.

“While it can be difficult for victims of their offences to immediately acknowledge, including our officers who have been regular victims of assaults, many of those involved in this offending behaviour are themselves victims of various forms of exploitation.

“Over recent weeks several arrests have been made of persons linked to the sexual exploitation and illegal supply of alcohol to young people within this group.

“North Wales Police have worked closely with the local authority and other partners to reduce the risk to victims of these offences.

“This has in some cases led to members of this group being relocated to other areas, where pleasingly they are making positive changes in their lives.

“We are also working with partners to identify diversionary activities for young people in the town.

“In last few weeks, reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre have shown a decrease.

“We hope therefore that some of the activity listed above is beginning to have a positive impact. However we are very aware that issues remain and there is more work to be done.

“In the months ahead North Wales Police will form part of a multi-agency group set up with the specific aim of tackling anti-social behaviour in the area.

“Hopefully this update will provide some insight in to the challenges of tackling youth offending.”

Local Inspector Jason Davies said: “As the above figures show these are not issues that police can arrest their way out of.

“The challenges are complex and we must work with our partners and the local community to address them.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to doing so.”