YOBS face a 48-hour crackdown in Caerphilly town centre this weekend with the introduction of a dispersal order.

Following recent reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Caerphilly, there will be a 48 hour Dispersal Order (Under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014) starting at 5pm tomorrow.

The designated areas include: Cardiff Rood, Bartlett Street, White Street, Market Street, St Martin’s Road, Station Terrace (Including the bus station) , Salop Street, Van Road, Broomfield Street, Twyn Car-park and Centre, Windsor Road, Penterbane Street, Stockland Street, Bradford Street, Ludlow Street, St Fagan’s Street, Park Lane, Crescent Road, Claude Road, King Edwards Terrace, Railway Terrace Rhymney Terrace, Castle Court Shopping Centre to include all adjoining and unnamed lanes, alleyways, thoroughfares and car parks and all Caerphilly Castle Grounds.

The aim is to prevent any trouble taking place, say Gwent Police.

The order provides police officers and community support officers with the powers to direct anyone to leave this specified area if they are involved in anti-social behaviour. If they return to that area after being moved on, they face being arrested.

Caerphilly Inspector, Gareth Jones says: “This is an emerging problem, in particular in the town and through the side streets, mainly around Friday and Saturday 6pm - 10pm.

“Despite our reminders, it appears youngsters are congregating and causing trouble again. Last week we had reports of youngsters climbing scaffolding and banging on a flat window on Cardiff Road, drunk teenagers kicking shutters at a chemist on Windsor Street, three youths free running on the roof of Caerphilly Indoor Market and youths congregating around shops on Cardiff Road causing problems. Not only are these people breaking the law, they are also making residents feel scared and intimidated.

“The dispersal order will provide us with further powers to tackle this issue and prevent groups of people from gathering and causing a disturbance. Officers will be patrolling the area regularly to enforce the Dispersal Order and to prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“If you do see any suspicious activity, please call us immediately on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

The Dispersal Order will start at 5pm on Friday 27th February and end at 5pm on Sunday 1st March 2015.