TOUGH measures have been introduced by police following a string of violent incidents and anti-social behaviour committed by gangs of youths in Barry.

The clampdown comes off the back of an assault on Broad Street which resulted in four teenagers being given 12 month prison sentences last week.

The teens, all aged 16 and 17, were jailed for the "horrific" attack which left a 19-year-old stranger with a broken jaw in August last year.

A 15-year-old who was also involved in the assault was given a referral order with a curfew attached.

Police Constable Nicola Owen said: “This was a particularly nasty attack and the sentencing has brought these four violent offenders to justice.

"They conducted this horrific assault with intent to injure and terrorise the victim."

She went on to explain that police in Barry have been experiencing issues and increased calls from the public regarding a particular gang youths gathering in the town centre and local parks, particularly the park known as "The Dump" on Sailsbury Road.

"We started to have issues with a gang of 15 or 20 youths congregating on weekends and causing anti-social behaviour, drinking in parks," said PC Owen.

"This led to increased calls from the public regarding a number of incidents, including violent crime."

These youths and similar gatherings are now being closely monitored by the police, with many perpetrators already having been given referral orders.

New dispersal orders are also being utilised to break up gangs of youths bothering people and a dedicated anti-social behaviour car regularly patrols problem hotspots.

Police Inspector Rob Miles explained: “A dispersal order gives us the power to force groups to leave an area even before a crime has taken place, or face arrest.

"The orders are designed to stop anti-social behaviour such as foul language, abuse and underage drinking before it escalates into violence.

“We want residents of Barry to feel safe and we want to make to sure these improvements are not just a short term fix but are long term changes that will make Barry a better place to live."

Acting Sergeant Nathan James added: "South Wales Police and particularly Barry police are committed to combatting anti-social behaviour.

"We are working with young people to engage with them to ascertain whether there's something we can do to stop them gathering on the streets."

He wanted to reiterate that police officers are not seeking to break up groups of youths that are not causing problems, and offered reassurance to the public that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Barry.

"I want to make it clear that we haven't got a gang problem in Barry but rest assured," he said, "If there is an anti-social behaviour problem, we are on it.

"I also want people to know that they should call with any concerns, reporting anti-social behaviour is not a hindrance to us, it's what we're here for."