'Intimidating' group of youths leads to dispersal order in three North Wales villages

A dispersal order remains in place in three North Wales villages due to an "intimidating" group of youths. The youths have been causing issues in Ponciau, Rhosllanerchrugog, and Johnstown, near Wrexham.

This includes intimidating members of the public and causing issues in local shops. The order will remain in place until Monday night.

Police say there will also be additional patrols. The order gives police extra powers to move on groups and ban people from returning to an area.

READ MORE: Major high street chain set to close 17 shops - including one in North Wales

READ MORE: Met Office warns of 'strongest winds of the year' with possible named storm on the horizon

North Wales Police said: "A dispersal order and an increased police presence remains in place to deter Anti-Social Behaviour in the Rhos, Ponciau and Johnstown areas outlined in the map.

"The order is in place to 21:30 Monday 20th January 2025, following a rise in the number of incidents since the end of October.

"We have received a number of reports of a large group of youths intimidating members of the public and causing a nuisance at retail premises.

"It gives Officers and PCSO’s the power to direct anybody engaging in Anti-Social Behaviour to leave the area and NOT return.

"North Wales Police once again urge parents to discuss this with their children and ensure that parents know where their children area and what they are up to."

On social media , one person said: "Sad that they feel that they have to go around in gangs as it gives them more ‘power’ to intimidate the elderly and destroy things that won’t fight back."

Another added that it "needs to be a few weekends".

Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox