Inspector thanks residents following Little Cop Shop of Horrors success

Rhymney’s neighbourhood inspector has thanked residents after a Halloween event drew in a large crowd of vampires, ghosts and monsters last week.

Almost 100 costumed people turned up to the spooky fare, where officers hosted numerous Halloween-themed games and activities.

Held at Rhymney Day Centre, the event saw community support officers team up with youth service workers from Caerphilly County Borough Council to speak about community safety and the impact anti-social behaviour can have on the town.

Inspector Lysha Thompson said:

“It was fantastic to see such a great turnout in Rhymney this Halloween, with over 80 young people coming to meet officers.

“Our NXT GEN team brought our engagement van to the town, offering young people the opportunity to play video games while learning about anti-social behaviour, fire related crime and the consequences of underage drinking and disorderly behaviour.

“Over recent months, we’ve launched our Respect Rhymney campaign, a three-phased strategy aiming to rid the area of serious criminals, tackle crime and restore pride in the region.

“Part of this work includes engagement activity, and events like this go a long way in forming positive relationships between our police service and young people, and educating residents about the impact their behaviour, and life choices, can have on their town.

“I’d like to thank Matt Knight and the community alcohol partnership for their support with the Little Cop Shop of Horrors event.”

Officers’ work with Caerphilly County Borough Council recently resulted in the launch of a new community alcohol awareness initiative in the borough.

This new partnership encourages open conversations about the dangers and consequences underage drinking, with officers working with schools to educate students on making responsible choices.

During the launch event in October, Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP, said: "We know from extensive research that underage drinking can have serious consequences, from disrupting education to leading young people into risky behaviours like drug use, violence, and long-term health problems. By working together, we can help steer children and young people towards an alcohol-free childhood."

She added: "CAPs have a proven track record of reducing alcohol supply to minors, curbing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, and lowering underage street drinking. It’s incredibly rewarding to see local partners unite to protect our children and young people and help them lead healthier, safer lives."

Inspector Thompson added:

“This time of year often sees a spike in reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, but I’m pleased to say that the Halloween event had a positive effect as we saw fewer reports of anti-social behaviour on the night.”