Police have installed a mobile camera at the seaside spot following a number of reports to them
Lois McCarthy
13:48, 11 Apr 2026
Groups of youths have been reported causing disruptive behaviour at a well-known Welsh beach(Image: Darcey Jayde)
Residents living near a popular Welsh beach have raised fresh concerns over a recent surge in antisocial behaviour, with some warning the situation could worsen as summer approaches. Those living close to Aberavon Beach say the well-known seaside spot has seen a noticeable change in atmosphere over recent weeks.
A local, who asked to remain anonymous, told WalesOnline that the issues have escalated rapidly. “I’ve lived here all my life, and it’s only recently become much more of a problem,” they said.
The resident, who regularly visits the beach in the early hours for exercise, described how their daily routine has increasingly brought them into contact with disruptive scenes. “I’m down there most mornings for a run before work – sometimes I’m swimming or paddleboarding – but the antisocial behaviour is there every sunny day.”
According to the resident, large groups of young people have been gathering in significant numbers, sometimes reaching between 400 and 500 individuals. They claim the area has become a hotspot due to a perceived lack of enforcement.
“The reason they congregate there is because it’s unmanned, with very little police presence despite numerous dispersal orders over the last few years,” they said. “Nobody has an issue with kids wanting to have fun, it’s nice to see the beach being used but the mess, destruction, fights, drugs and alcohol abuse make it feel more lawless than enjoyable.”
The situation appears to be escalating as the resident described a recent incident in which garden furniture was allegedly taken from nearby homes and set alight alongside beach rescue equipment.
“It seems to be getting worse. If this is April, I dread to think what it will be like in the summer,” they added.
Police warned that such acts of vandalism, particularly involving crucial beach rescue equipment could have had “dire consequences”, urging everyone visiting beaches to do so respectfully to ensure that no one is put at risk of harm.
However, the disruption does not end at the beachfront. Living on a main route away from the area, the resident said noise and disturbance often continue late into the night.
“Most pass by around 9pm, but there are always stragglers into the early hours with sound systems blasting. It’s frustrating when you’re up early for work.”
Safety concerns have also been highlighted, particularly the lack of visible emergency or enforcement presence. Stay informed on everything Neath Port Talbot by signing up to our newsletter here
“There’s no safety cover from the RNLI at the moment, and very little council or police presence,” they said. “One PCSO who doesn’t get involved isn’t enough. If something serious were to happen – another drowning or tensions escalating – it could quickly descend into chaos.”
While local councillors are said to be aware of the issues, the resident believes more direct action is needed.
“Putting on funfairs isn’t addressing what’s happening on this side of the beach,” they said. “Something more needs to be done before it gets out of hand.”
In light of the issues, South Wales Police has stated that all reports of anti-social behaviour are taken seriously and they will take action upon those involved.
A spokesperson said: “Only one call was received from a resident on the evening of Wednesday April 8, which was in relation to a report of youths urinating and minor verbal abuse. Officers attended this the following day. On Thursday April 9, email correspondence was received regarding damage to a lifebuoy and garden chair, which had occurred the previous day .
“A South Wales Police mobile camera has been installed at the location which can be remotely viewed by us to capture any ASB or criminal activity and act as a deterrent to that behaviour. We are also working with the local councillors to look at problem-solving work to combat seasonal issues faced in the area during the warmer months.
“We will soon be launching this year’s Op Adriatic campaign alongside Neath Port Talbot Council, the RNLI and other partners. This is a co-ordinated multi-agency response which ensures that Aberavon seafront remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone during the summer months. The operation will focus on engaging with the public and preventing any anti-social behaviour.”
A spokesperson for Neath Port Talbot Council added: “The council commissions the RNLI to provide lifeguard patrols at both the main Aberavon beach and the ‘Little Beach’. Patrols were operating over the Easter weekend (3 – 6 April), and will return on weekends (including bank holidays) from 2 – 17 May. RNLI lifeguards will then operate daily (10am-6pm) from 23 May through to 6 September.
“In addition to the lifeguard beach safety cover, the council’s Community Safety Team is working closely with South Wales Police and partner agencies through Operation Adriatic, a coordinated multi agency response aimed at ensuring Aberavon beach remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone. Officers will also be carrying out regular engagement activity at the seafront to speak to residents, young people and visitors, and to listen to concerns.
“There is no excuse for damaging or interfering with vital lifesaving equipment, which plays a crucial role in keeping people safe. We would encourage anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour to report it to South Wales Police via 101, or 999 in an emergency, so incidents can be dealt with appropriately.”
