Transport for Wales is supporting the return of Operation Lion again this holiday season - the joint initiative aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across the wider Pembrokeshire area during the busy summer period.

First launched in 2015, Operation Lion is an annual partnership between TfW, Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police. The initiative addresses the significant increase in visitors to the region and aims to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for both residents and visitors.

The operation runs throughout the six-week school summer holiday period, with dedicated cover every Friday to Sunday.

BTP officers will patrol the area across the duration of the campaign, working closely with Dyfed-Powys Police.

TfW security teams will also patrol trains between Tenby and Pembroke Dock and provide cover on the final service to Carmarthen.

The key objectives of the operation are to:

  • Reduce antisocial behaviour and incidents of public disorder, vandalism, and other forms of ASB.
  • Enhance public safety with a visible police presence to deter criminal activities.
  • Increase community engagement.

Since its introduction, BTP states that Operation Lion has played a significant role in reducing ASB incidents during the summer period. The combination of a visible policing presence and swift responses to incidents have helped create a safer environment for residents and visitors, while earning positive feedback from local communities and businesses in Tenby.

TfW Security Manager Simon Turton said: “We’re proud to once again support Operation Lion alongside our colleagues from British Transport Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.

“This initiative is a great example of partnership working in action. Through a proactive, community-focused approach, we have helped reduce antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire over the years, and we are committed to building on that success again this summer.

“Our aim is simple: to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything these fantastic areas have to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.”

The ‘Operation Lion’ scheme was launched somewhat earlier this year by Dyfed-Powys Police, during the early May bank holiday, in response to a serious stabbing incident at Tenby Railway Station, and the subsequent fall-out where police faced criticism for the way they had dealt with reports of anti-social behaviour across the seaside town that day, in the lead up to the brawl.

Officers were called to the station at 9.50pm on April 7 following reports of a large fight involving a group of youths.

Four of the group were taken to hospital for treatment to stab wounds which thankfully weren’t serious, and later discharged. A total of 11 arrests were made in connection to the incident, for offences including Grievous Bodily Harm and Violent Disorder.

All of those arrested were aged between 13 and 19 years old and all local to the Tenby and Pembroke Dock area.

Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, said: “The summer is undoubtedly an incredibly busy time for both policing and our partners across Pembrokeshire, as we see a huge increase in the number of visitors coming to our towns and beaches.”