**Police Grant Extra Powers in Cardiff After Surge in Crime on Infamous Canton Street**
Law enforcement in Cardiff is set to exercise heightened authority this weekend as police respond to an alarming surge in anti-social activity along a well-known street in the Canton district. South Wales Police have confirmed a notable escalation in criminal incidents, with 123 offences recorded over a single month in this area, prompting an urgent response aimed at restoring public order and safety.
The focus of this intervention is Cowbridge Road East, an extensive thoroughfare running through Canton, which has garnered a local reputation for its abundance of public houses and lively nightlife. Nicknamed the ‘Canton Mile’, the street has long been associated with both a vibrant social scene and, increasingly, problematic behaviour. Authorities have identified a strong connection between recent anti-social incidents and substance misuse, fuelling concerns among residents and business owners alike.
From 2pm on Friday, 11 July until 2pm on Sunday, 13 July, officers will be enforcing a 48-hour dispersal order under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This empowers police to instruct anyone believed to be causing—or at risk of causing—harassment, alarm, or distress to leave the specified zone and to stay away for up to two days. In addition, officers will be authorised to seize property suspected to be linked to disruptive behaviour.
This move arrives amid growing unease regarding the quality of life for those living and working near Cowbridge Road East. Over the course of April, the surge in crime reports to South Wales Police shone a spotlight on the challenges faced in policing an area where the boundaries between social enjoyment and public disorder are frequently tested. The prevalence of substance misuse, in particular, has been cited as a key aggravating factor.
In an official statement, Inspector Tim Ursell of South Wales Police outlined the rationale behind these enhanced powers. “The dispersal order is in place as a preventative measure following a recent spate of incidents. We will have an increased presence and officers won’t hesitate to enforce the extra powers afforded to them in order to keep the community safe,” Inspector Ursell commented. His remarks underscore the intention not only to respond to incidents but also to deter further offences.
This targeted policing initiative aims to send a clear signal to those considering engaging in nuisance or criminal behaviour that such activities will not be tolerated. The order covers Cowbridge Road East and its immediate surroundings, allowing police significant latitude in addressing the current spike in disorder.
Residents and community members are being encouraged to support the initiative by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspected incidents of anti-social behaviour. South Wales Police have made multiple contact channels available, including a live chat portal, online reporting tools, email support via swp101@south-wales.police.uk, and the non-emergency number 101. Members of the public are reminded always to dial 999 in the event of an emergency.
This decisive action follows growing calls from local stakeholders for stronger safeguards in the Canton area. The dispersal order represents a concerted effort by authorities to reclaim public spaces for responsible enjoyment and to reassure those affected by recent disorder.
As South Wales Police step up their visibility over the coming weekend, the effectiveness of these special measures will be closely watched by both residents and city officials alike. For many in Canton, it is hoped this intervention will herald an improvement in street safety and a return to a more harmonious community environment.