The NWP Gwynedd South policing team patrol Pwllheli town centre(Image: NWP Gwynedd South)
Police in Gwynedd have pledged to crack down on anti‑social behaviour (ASB) in a seaside town. In recent weeks there have been increasing reports of adults and young people drinking alcohol, committing public order offences and causing general nuisance in Pwllheli and surrounding areas.
The town’s bus station is a particular concern. “Unfortunately that area has become a rather intimidating area for people trying to catch a bus,” said a local driving instructor online.
In response to concerns, Cyngor Gwynedd has imposed a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Pwllheli. This followed previous reports of youngsters being verbally abusive, lying drunk and unconscious, and “exposing themselves”.
The three-year PSPO was introduced in August 2024, and can be extended. It gave North Wales Police (NWP) extra powers to tackle specific issues with the aim of improving the lives of residents and visitors.
The NWP Gwynedd South policing team said it will now give people just a single warning before arrests are made. In a message to potential offenders, a spokesperson said: “If you are observed by a police officer or PCSO, you will receive ONE warning only.
“If you are seen committing further breaches, you will be arrested or reported for summons. Our priority is to protect our community. All Pwllheli officers have been fully briefed on the PSPO and will be actively utilising these powers moving forward. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep Pwllheli a safe place for everyone.”
Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Specifically, police will be looking out for the following offences – these are strictly prohibited within the restricted area:
To comply with PSPO policy, and safeguard civil liberties, police are obliged to first give a verbal warning before taking further measures. This approach has frustrated residents who want immediate action.
A Pwllheli man called on police to “get it sorted”. He added: “The bus stop is no-go zone unless you want to be harassed by thuggish p**s heads and like breathing in copious amounts of 2nd hand skunk smoke.
“Driving around aimlessly every now again with the windows closed doesn’t act as effective policing, more like killing time!”
Local officers said that, in the past week, they have focused on foot patrols rather than driving past in marked police vehicles. As a result, four people have so far received a warning.
A spokesperson added: “The community should expect more hi-visibility foot patrol to be conducted over the coming weeks by PCSOs and PCs. We want our community to feel listened to and safe.”
Similar ASB concerns have been voiced in Caernarfon and its bus station, with one woman complaining of “rowdy teenagers” and “inhaling cannabis”.
PSPOs were imposed on Caernarfon and Criccieth at the same time at the one in Pwllheli. These followed reports of teenagers wearing balaclavas and hoodies in Caernarfon town centre and “large gangs” converging on Criccieth.
In all three towns, businesses complained they were often left to clean vomit and urine from outside their premises. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter – sent every Tuesday
