ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour has fallen in a Swansea suburb ever since two local teens were handed Asbos, police have said.

And they have thanked residents in Bonymaen for their help in tackling the problem by supplying officers with information.

They said the residents' contribution, together with the Anti-social Behaviour Orders issued against the two teens, had resulted in a fall in the number of complaints about bad behaviour in the area.

The news has come the same week as the British Government has announced it may do away with Asbos as it does not think they work.

But, speaking this week at the area's Pact meeting, held for the first time at St Illtyd's Primary School, PC Tony Davies said: "Anti-social behaviour in the area is nowhere what it was. We are getting on top of things.

"It is still sliding down since we last met, and crime in general is falling.

Time

"We have been working with other agencies, and unfortunately for some of these youngsters, they do not understand that. Every time an incident takes place we work together as a partnership, and think how do we deal with this?

"We said it would take time, and it is on-going, but a lot is being done to tackle anti-social behaviour, and it is a lot lower than what it was.

"A big thank you to everyone who has been helping out."

PC Davies also revealed that four anti-social behaviour contracts (ABCs) had been issued to youths locally, in addition to the Asbos.

Offenders who are issued with ABCs face being given a full Asbo order if they fail to comply with its conditions.

It was also announced that a number of community events, such as graffiti removal operations and dog displays, had been temporarily delayed, as officers worked on the anti-social behaviour issues.

But officers said they hoped to begin staging the events during the early part of August, as they came to grips with the problem.

They also admitted there were still on-going concerns with issues such as off-road motorbiking.

PC Davies paid thanks to the area's PCSOs, James O Neale and Natalie Jones, for their efforts.

He said: "They have both been working far beyond what is expected, because we have been focused on these individuals, who now have Asbos."

Refreshing

PCSO James O Neale added: "People are not as afraid to come forward as before. We want to offer a big thank you to the public. It is refreshing for people to come up to us and thank us for things that have happened."

Commenting on the drop in complaints about anti-social behaviour, Bonymaen councillor Mair Gibbs, added: "It has been brilliant".

Brokesby Road resident Debbie George, whose home has been targeted by the youths who have been issued with Asbos, said: "There has been a huge difference since the Asbos were issued.

"In this area, police have been working with the community, and it has produced results.

"I believe in the use of Asbos — if they are policed properly, they make a real difference."

A 16-year-old youth was due to appear in court today in relation to an incident in Brokesby Road at the beginning of June when an industrial firework was rammed into the letterbox of a property.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces a charge of incitement to commit arson, with intent to endanger life.

nino.williams@swwmedia.co.uk