Merthyr Tydfil Together Partnership Success

In summer 2025 South Wales Police launched Merthyr Tydfil Together, a partnership initiative between the police, Council and other local partners to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town centre. Also known as Clear, Hold Build, the three-phase approach focuses on targeted crime disruption, stabilising affected areas, and addressing the root causes of criminality.

As we transition from the Clear phase into the Hold and Build phases, we reflect on some of the key achievements to date.

The Clear phase within Merthyr Tydfil worked on addressing key issues within the town centre, including drug-related criminality, anti-social behaviour (ASB), retail crime, aggressive begging, and associated organised criminality. In the year since its inception, there have been:

• 339 arrests.
• 57 stop searches.
• 430 intelligence submissions.
• 185 ASB referrals.
• 12 Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) issued against repeat offenders responsible for persistent anti-social behaviour and community harm.

Long-term trends indicate that this has resulted in:

• A 10% reduction in overall crime
• An 18% reduction in ASB proxy offences, including damage and public order offences.
• A 7% reduction in retail crime.
• A 12% reduction in violent assault offences.
• A 5% reduction in recorded anti-social behaviour.

Councillor David Jones, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The Merthyr Tydfil Together initiative is a great example of how partnership working can really work to benefit the community.

“The issues tackled within the Clear phase were negatively affecting our town centre and impacting on businesses, residents and visitors, so partners came together with a common goal; to work together to address the issues and help create a safer, more inviting town centre

“For me, the key word within this initiative is ‘Together’, and we want to remind residents of the valuable part they also have to play. One of our key challenges is under-reporting, so we’re urging residents – if you see it, report it. Anti-social behaviour can be reported online or by calling 101. In an emergency always dial 999.

“Together we can continue to make a real difference.” 

Chief Superintendent Jason Rees said: “The Clear phase has delivered positive and measurable outcomes in reducing crime, disorder and community harm. However, sustaining and building upon these achievements will require continued commitment from all partners. The long-term success of the Hold and Build phases will ultimately be measured not only by reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour, but by the extent to which communities feel safer, more connected, more resilient and more confident in the future of Merthyr Town Centre.”

Several other initiatives have been working alongside Merthyr Tydfil Together, including:

• The Pavement Project, which provides multi-agency outreach, support and engagement activity, with patrols now extended into evening periods to enhance visibility and support for vulnerable individuals.

• The Pili Pala Project, delivered in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil College, which provides a safe and supportive environment for young women to discuss issues relating to Violence Against Women and Girls, while promoting awareness, resilience and safeguarding.

• Operation Clutch, which addresses off-road vehicle nuisance and associated anti-social behaviour. Through the use of CCTV evidence and retrospective facial recognition opportunities, the operation has resulted in:
• 25 individuals being reported for summons.
• 4 off-road vehicles seized.
• 2 ASB referrals.
• 2 referrals to the Youth Justice Service.

As we celebrate these successes, we look ahead to building on them. The long-term success of the Hold and Build phases will ultimately be measured not only by reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour, but by the extent to which communities feel safer, more connected, more resilient and more confident in the future of Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre.