POLICE will be focusing on lowering crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour over the summer in Operation Lion.

The initiative involves Dyfed-Powys Police, British Transport Police, Arriva Trains Wales, Great Western Railway, Welsh Ambulance Service, Pembrokeshire Local Authority and local Licensees.

Under Operation Lion, which will run every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday in Tenby from July 21 to September 1, more police resources will be dedicated to the area to help cope with the increase of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour the town experiences over the summer.

Dyfed-Powys Police has worked with British Transport Police and Arriva Trains Wales to help people coming to Tenby by  train get to and from the town safely. Police officers from both forces will be on the trains and the platform on weekends, to help deal with the large numbers of people who use the service.

Tenby Inspector, Aled Davies, said: “Tenby is home to a variety of tourist attractions and events,  and experiences a huge boost in population over the summer months. The influx of visitors combined with the diversity of our patch brings challenges for us as a police force. This summer we are trying to help people enjoy our unique region by offering advice to help them do that.

“In the past we have seen a minority of people come to Tenby to visit the pubs and clubs,  who then cause trouble due to drinking too much alcohol. Very often some of these individuals have arrived by train already intoxicated, so by working closely with British Transport Police and Arriva Trains Wales we will be able to stop people from getting on the trains bound for Tenby in the first place, if their behaviour is not acceptable and they are drunk or under the influence of intoxicants.

“As well as extra officers at Tenby train station, there will be extra officers on foot patrol around the town from the early afternoon onwards. We are working closely with local businesses and the community to make sure Tenby continues to be a safe and popular destination for all to enjoy.

“We are very lucky to live and work in a place that people want to visit and we welcome visitors to the area to come and enjoy what is on offer. However,  we won’t put up with people behaving badly, causing anti-social behaviour(ASB) and ruining the fun for everyone. The police will be taking robust and positive action against any persons causing ASB, public disorder or committing any crime in Tenby over the Summer period.”

Sergeant Steve Dawkins of British Transport Police said:“Tenby is a fantastic place to visit during the summer, with an array of attractions and events, and we look forward to welcoming visitors using the railway. We want everyone to have a happy and safe Tenby Spectacular, and will do everything we can to help make this happen.

“People shouldn’t be concerned to see additional police officers on patrol during July and August, which is traditionally an extremely busy time on the rail network. Our officers will be on hand to help make sure revellers not only reach the festivities, but also get home again safely.

“While we don’t want to spoil anyone’s evening, we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or any form of aggression towards rail staff. Anyone who is found to be unfit through alcohol will be refused travel and could find themselves in front of the court.

“Enjoy yourselves, enjoy the summer, enjoy Tenby and all it has to offer, but please remember to keep a clear head – alcohol and railways can be a dangerous cocktail.”

Security Manager at Arriva Trains Wales, Simon Turton said:“We’re looking forward to transporting lots of people to Tenby for what promises to be an excellent summer in the town.

“The most important thing from our point of view is getting people where they want to be safely and as such we will be working with our partners in British Transport Police and Dyfed Powys Police to ensure all our customers feel safe and secure on our services.

“Customers should plan their journeys carefully making a note of last train times and to expect some services to be busier than usual, particularly on event days and when the weather is particularly good.”