Police have launched the annual Operation Lion campaign in Tenby for the summer season to help reduce town centre alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of Tenby Town Council, Inspector Dan Bower explained that working alongside the LVA (Licensed Victuallers Associations), the scheme was in place to ensure that Tenby is a safe place for residents and visitors to enjoy over the busy holiday period.

Designated constables will walk the streets of Tenby during the day and deal with any anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol, with discretionary powers to confiscate alcohol in public.

Officers will also be at the Railway Station to meet people travelling by train to the resort.

Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Laurence Blackhall said he was pleased with the additional support from the police authorities for the town, and that it was recognition that the population in Tenby goes up from 5,000 to 60,000 over the holiday season.

“We work in partnership, the council, the police and LVA, and we all share a responsibility to ensure that our beautiful town can be enjoyed by all who are prepared to respectfully enjoy it,” he remarked.

‘However, the council, police and LVA are clear that there will be no tolerance of behaviour that is unacceptable and diminishes everyone’s enjoyment of our town, whether they be residents or visitors.

“So Operation Lion is quite clear, Tenby is welcoming, Tenby is safe, Tenby is here for all to enjoy, but misbehave and you will respectfully be asked to leave!” added Clr. Blackhall.