Police have received extra funding to crack down on antisocial behaviour in Aberystwyth and Aberaeron - with both towns being identified as hotspots.

Extra funding from the Home Office will mean police officers are to spend more time in the areas worst hit by antisocial behaviour.

Dyfed-Powys Police, with support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, has received almost half a million pounds to combat antisocial behaviour (ASB) across the force area in a dedicated response known as Operation Ivydene.

Through Operation Ivydene, ten areas - known as ASB hotspots - will receive an extra 11,000 hours of police patrols over the next eight months.

Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis said: “Antisocial behaviour can have a serious impact on the quality of life on people who want to go about their daily lives.

“These hotspots have been selected as the areas experiencing the highest volumes of violence and antisocial behaviour (ASB) offences and based on local intelligence.

“The patrols aim to provide a reassuring presence to help people feel safe while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.”

There will be about 27 hours per week of hotspot patrols in each of the areas – which are in addition to regular police patrols – which will also involve use of specialist resources, such as drones, depending on the issues being targeted.

Officers are also conducting surveys in the hotspots to help the force better understand and address the concerns of those living there.

‘Antisocial behaviour’ is a broad term which includes behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to a member or members of the public. Criminal and non-criminal behaviours such as littering, vandalism, public drunkenness, aggressive dogs, or noise nuisance may also be considered ASB.

Other areas that will see an increase in patrols alongside Aberystwyth and Aberaeron are Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford, Haverfordwest, Tenby Newtown and Brecon.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has secured nearly £1 million from the Home Office to collaborate with Local Authorities and Dyfed-Powys Police on initiatives aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB). 

He said: “ASB can have an overwhelming impact on its victims and, in some cases, on the wider community.

“An effective response to antisocial behaviour requires innovation, strong partnerships between local agencies, and a mindset that puts victims first. These ASB Hotspot initiatives aim to achieve just that.”

Over the next eight months, monthly monitoring will be underway and submitted to the Home Office. Outcomes that will be reported on include hours of visible foot patrols, weapons recovered, number of arrests, number of ASB powers used, and number of stop searches.

Earlier this year, the government announced that every police force in England and Wales will receive at least £1 million to ramp up patrols to tackle violence and disorder, targeted in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour (in February 2024).  

It followed the successful piloting of the approach in 10 areas, which saw more than 80,000 hours of patrols in the six months since it launched.