Children in Operation Cleansweep

A CARDIFF community has experienced Operation CleanSweep addressing concerns raised by local residents in Pact meetings.

The Safer Capital operation was led by PCSO Emma Coombes who also organised a number of engagement activities with the area’s young people as part of the operation.
PCSO Coombes , from the Cardiff Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The purpose of the operation was to improve the area of Butetown by all agencies working together and to encourage community engagement

“We addressed Pact priorities such as are littering in the area of the Paddle Steamer café on Hodges Lane, off Loudoun Square and fly tipping.

“The operation was also an ideal opportunity for residents to speak with their neighbourhood policing team and partners with any concerns or queries.”

Uniformed officers carried out high visibility patrols in Loudoun Square, Angelina Street, Christina Street, Alice Street, Hodges Square and Hodges Lane.

Local children aged four to 12 also got involved taking up firefighters and police officers in a game of football, while the older children assisted with the litter pick.

PCSO Coombes added: “There is evidence that cleaning up neighbourhoods can reduce incidents of crime and disorder and we have already seen a 14 per cent reduction in crime in the last three months compared to last year.
“We have already received positive feedback from the Butetown community following the operation and I hope residents will notice the difference in the area following this multi-agency action day.

“I would like to pass on my thanks to all those involved and a special thanks to the local children who assisted in the clearing of litter.”

Operation CleanSweep, which was launched last year, takes place regularly in different areas of Cardiff to improve quality of life for communities across the city.

Agencies involved in yesterday's operation with South Wales Police were:
South Wales Fire Service, Keep Wales Tidy, The Huggard Centre, Menfa Charity, Street Cleansing and Street lighting from Cardiff City Council, Probation Service and DVLA, SOYA (Somali Youth Association) and Butetown Youth Pavilion.

During the course of the 5 hour operation:

• Three untaxed vehicles were clamped.
• 16 bags of waste and litter were removed.
• 26 Fixed Penalty Notices for were issued for parking offences.

Executive Member for Communities and Joint Chair of Safer Capital Cllr Judith Woodman said, “Our CleanSweep operations get right to the heart of the communities they target and address many of the issues that really matter to residents.

“These days involve a number of agencies within our Safer Capital Partnership and everyone successfully works together to make a positive impact on local streets.”