Local authorities are taking action against anti-social behaviour in Bridgend following reports of littering, vandalism, and damage to fire alarms at a local car park.
Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) and South Wales Police are dealing with various cases of anti-social behaviour at the Rhiw car park in Bridgend town centre.
The incidents include people committing minor acts of vandalism, littering, and tampering with the sensor system on the car park's fire alarms.
The council’s cabinet member for communities Richard Young said the car park is "a landmark location" and it was "disappointing" to see it being "misused".
He added: “I want to send a clear, strong message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. The council and its partners are working closely to monitor any antisocial behaviour and will take further action if necessary."
A BCBC spokesperson said "minor incidents" have been occurring "infrequently over a number of years" but escalated in "the last few months".
They also said individuals of "a variety of ages" have been spotted in the vicinity of the Rhiw car park when the incidents were reported and so it is unknown whether the cases of antisocial behaviour were all committed by the same group of people.
Local policing inspector Mark Davies said "a number of youths" have been referred to the antisocial behaviour unit following the incidents and their behaviour is being monitored.
He said there has been three reports of youth annoyance and one of criminal damage "which is currently under investigation" and the force's crime reduction tactical adviser "has worked closely" with the council and management at the car park to "design out" the issues at the site.
He added: “Some of those measures have already been put in place and, together with targeted patrols by neighbourhood officers and interventions by our dedicated antisocial behaviour unit, they are having an impact and this work will continue."
