Police in Powys have received nearly half a million pounds in funding to combat antisocial behaviour as part of a new operation.

Newtown and Brecon are among the areas in Mid Wales that will be seeing extra police patrols as part of Operation Ivydene, an initiative to tackle antisocial behaviour in what police have called “hotspots” across the area.

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 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, with two of these areas in Powys being Newtown East and Brecon.

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This involves 27 hours per week of patrols in these hotspots in addition to regular police patrols. These extra patrols will also make use of specialist resources, such as drones, depending on the issues being targeted.

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.”

Police officers will also be conducting surveys in the hotspots, as part of an effort to help the force better understand and address the concerns of those living there.

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.”