Rioters caught (From Barry And District News)

Rioters caught

RIOTING youths, whose reign of terror caused chaos on the Buttrills estate, have been netted in a massive police crackdown.

Officers mounted a special operation last weekend, catching 29 of the teenagers responsible for a series of night-time riots that left residents petrified.

The action was in direct response to calls from frightened locals living in fear of a 50-strong gang terrorising the neighbourhood.

As reported in the News, residents had been subjected to weeks of violence and vandalism, ending in a four-day, drink-fuelled rampage last month.

During this, cars were damaged, property wrecked and the community hall, with a number of senior citizens inside, was stoned.

Residents said the the area had become so dangerous people were afraid to leave their homes for fear of attack.

And they called for immediate action from both South Wales Police and the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

A series of crisis meetings followed between locals, councillors and senior police chiefs, with all parties vowing to tackle the issue head on.

On the weekend of February 28, the force mounted a special operation. A patrol of six officers was deployed to the area and the CCTV van was put on standby.

This resulted in the capture of 29 of the youths responsible.

Of those picked up by police, seven were arrested.

Two were later charged - one with carrying an offensive weapon and the other with possession of drugs.

They will appear at the magistrates court later this month.

Five youths were cautioned and a further 22 were referred for anti-social behaviour orders.

Officers also visited the homes of the culprits to make their parents aware of the situation.

Divisional Commander Superintendent Josh Jones said: "The most telling aspect of the operation was the excellent response from local people and we will work with our partners, the council, to help improve the situation around the community hall.

"We found that the young people we were dealing with for throwing stones at the hall were all local and had parents who were genuinely shocked on learning of their children's involvement in the incident.

'I would urge parents whose children frequent the area to support us in keeping the Buttrills estate a safe environment for all."