City centre police in Cardiff did a summer long operation in their beat parks to prevent crime, particularly those crimes against young people, including mobile phone theft.
Officers have taken to their bikes and patrolled the parks in plain clothes, being joined by park rangers and outreach workers, whilst their PCSO colleagues have been engaging young people and providing crime prevention advice.
The neighbourhood policing blitz covered Alexandra Gardens, Gorsedd Gardens, Bute Park, and Coopers Park, and has helped problem solve issues identified in local PACT meetings.
Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Pete Ashby said “During the operation a total of 14 arrests have been made, along with the seizure of a large quantity of alcohol and drugs.”
Operation Corrado builds on the success of last year’s Operation Romo, which has seen incidents of robbery reduce by 100pc. The police focus on the parks has also helped reduce anti social behaviour, providing extra opportunities to engage with park users. Counterfeit CDs have also been seized from rogue traders during the operation, along with graffiti materials.
PC Pete Ashby adds: “This type of proactive operation would not be possible with the continued support of our community partners, and it’s a good example of how strong partnership working can help tackle local problems. The reduction in crime in our parks has been considerable, but we are not complacent in any way, and will continue to help prevent crime and arrest those persons responsible.”
