Ospreys Tackle Anti-social Behaviour

Local school children and top Ospreys rugby players are taking centre stage in a new DVD to publicise Wales' only dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour hotline.

The Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership is the first community safety department to have a dedicated phone line for members of the public to report anti-social behaviour.

The information taken via the helpline is used alongside evidence from the police to take action against those whose actions cause misery for communities.

The new DVD - which stars pupils from Dyffryn School in Port Talbot alongside stars from the Ospreys rugby team - will be used to promote the Anti-Social Behaviour helpline and the action which can be taken against the culprits.

Ospreys captain, Ryan Jones said:

"The Ospreys think it's very important to help combat Anti-Social Behaviour. It's essential that everyone is made to feel safe in Ospreylia and all over Wales and we hope that this DVD will help a minority group change their behaviour for the better good of our community"

It shows examples of the type of behaviour which causes distress for residents and gives advice on what people can do about problems in their communities. It will be shown in schools and to community groups across the borough.

PC Kevin Davies, of the Safer Neath Port Talbot Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said: "With our system anyone who gets three referrals receives a warning on a yellow card.

"If the recipient does not curb their anti-social behaviour then they will be given a red card and could soon find themselves put on an Acceptable Behaviour Contract or brought before the courts and made the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order."

"We would like to thank the Ospreys for once again lending their support to this important initiative. The players are role models to youngsters in our community and I know that they do a lot of work across the county already to help the authorities dealing with anti-social behaviour, and their backing for this DVD is very welcome."

Around 80 per cent of those who receive a warning and a visit from a police officer do not go on to receive further complaints or get proposed to be the subject of an Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

Outreach workers are assigned to the recipient of a warning to ensure they do not go on to commit further anti-social behaviour or crime.

Paul Lewis, Anti-Social Behaviour Unit Co-ordinator, said: "Together with our partners and with our communities, we have made tremendous progress in tackling anti-social behaviour, but there are still a minority of individuals out there who are adversely affecting people's quality of life.

"It is vital that people report anti-social behaviour to the helpline so we can accurately map problem hot spots across the borough and target action and resources most effectively.

"With the helpline we have a dedicated, central point of contact for people to report anti-social behaviour.

"We need everyone, especially our local communities, to work together with us. The telephone line is here for you, so please use it."

The number is 01639 889709.