A POLICE crackdown on anti-social behaviour saw alcohol removed from Barry Island visitors and drinks confiscated from GCSE pupils celebrating their exam results in Porthkerry Park.

The Operation Skylark campaign aimed to enforce Barry’s Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) .

It involved police officers, British Transport Police and the Vale council’s civil enforcement team.

PSPOs allow the council and police to jointly tackle community problems such as alcohol, dog fouling, and littering.

The operation took place in Barry Island on August 4 and August 18.

Alcohol was taken from people travelling on trains, on the promenade and beach areas on Barry Island where the PSPO orders are in place.

Police sergeant Mark John said: “In the summer months we often see an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“Alcohol is a key factor with people drinking excessively around parks and on the street - in this area it is Barry Island.

“This reduces the quality of life for local residents and is frequently a precursor of later incidents of more serious incidents of crime and disorder.

“This operation was to educate the public through the use of banners which were put in place and direct individuals to stop drinking in the PSPO areas.

“The operation involved officers in high visibility carrying out foot patrols in the designated areas and engaging with members of the public. The primary focus of the operation was to educate the public around the orders, seize alcohol and prevent anti-social behaviour which will also reduce more serious crime and disorder because of the early intervention.”

Officers also confiscated a large quantity of alcohol from underage drinkers who had gathered at Porthkerry Park following their GCSE results.

The teenagers were spoken to by officers about the dangers of underage drinking.

Officers are investigating where the alcohol came from so further action can be taken if necessary.