Anti-social: Youths backflip off roofs on Holton Road

According to South Wales Police, groups of youngsters have been disregarding the current Tier Four lockdown rules to climb rooftops on Holton Road in order to free-run, endangering themselves.

Members of the public have expressed alarm at some of those involved doing back flips off the roof, and have reported the issue to South Wales Police.

"It is an accident waiting to happen, which would mean emergency services are stretched even further, at a critical time within the pandemic,” said PC Helen Kihlberg.

“Youths have persistently been committing anti-social behaviour on Holton Road by climbing business roof tops and free-running, which is not only breaking coronavirus rules at present but is also putting their safety at risk.

"In one instance, at the rear of Holton Road, four youths, aged 12-14 years old, were kicking in a window near a 30-40ft drop.

"We are concerned about their safety and we are asking them to not climb across the roofs and to ensure they are following the coronavirus rules, which have been set out by the Welsh Government and are enforceable by law."

Under current coronavirus restrictions in place throughout Wales people are urged to only leave their home for essential reasons and households should not be mixing.

Police have reported that, at one point, between 25 and 30 youngsters had gathered in the area.

Along with concerns for the welfare of the children involved, South Wales Police are concerned that the youths could potentially cause criminal damage to the buildings.

"Some [of the youths] have already been identified by officers and anti-social behaviour referrals have been submitted to the Vale of Glamorgan Community Safety Partnership who have carried out Anti-Social Behaviour stage warnings,” added PC PC Helen Kihlberg.

Police are also stepping up patrols in the area and are prepared to take further action if needed.

If anyone witnesses this behaviour they’re asked to call the police on 101.