Police urge parents to be aware as youth antisocial behaviour increases in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock

Dyfed-Powys Police is urging parents and carers to be aware of their children’s whereabouts following a recent increase in reports of youth-related antisocial behaviour and criminality in the Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock areas.

In recent weeks, police have received an influx of calls reporting large groups of young people gathering in specific locations, including the former Tasker Milward School building, where behaviour has caused harassment, alarm and distress to local residents and business owners.

There have also been concerns around alcohol consumption and instances where young people have sustained injuries while trespassing on disused building sites.

Neighbourhood policing and prevention teams are carrying out additional patrols and are working closely with partner agencies and local businesses to address the issue.

Pembrokeshire County Council is increasing the overall security of the former Tasker Milward School building, including a range of measures to support the reduction of anti-social behaviour and serious risk of harm.

This will include increasing and replacing damaged boarding, fencing panels, adding anti-climb paint and defender strips and clearing the site of any debris.

Additional policing resources, including response officers and specialist units, have also been allocated to provide a robust response to the rising issue.

Officers are using a range of powers available to them under antisocial behaviour legislation, including requiring individuals to provide their details under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act and directing individuals to leave an area for up to 48 hours under sections 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Where criminal offences are identified, positive action will be taken, and prosecutions will be pursued where appropriate.

BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, Superintendent Louise Harries, said: “The impact of this antisocial behaviour on our communities and local businesses cannot be underestimated. As such, we want to reassure residents that we are taking robust action by using the powers available to us as police, and working closely with partner agencies.

“Regarding the former Tasker Milward School building, I want to be absolutely clear that breaking into a building could not only amount to a crime but is also extremely dangerous. Children have already been injured at the site, and we cannot allow this to continue.

“We are asking parents and carers to speak to their children about their behaviour, where they are spending their time, and who they are associating with. Many of the groups involved are travelling from different areas in Pembrokeshire, and it is important that parents are aware of this.

“Antisocial behaviour and criminal offences can have long-term consequences for young people, including potential impacts on education and future employment. Early intervention is key to preventing this, and we are asking for parents and carers to support our efforts in keeping these children, and our local community, safe.”

Parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s behaviour can seek support through the Pembrokeshire Families’ Support Network (PFSN) and by contacting their local Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team.

Further information about family support services is available via Pembrokeshire County Council’s website:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/pembrokeshire-families-support-network

Residents are encouraged to report incidents of antisocial behaviour to Dyfed-Powys Police via 101 or online: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/.

In an emergency, always dial 999.