Dyfed-Powys Police has given details of the launch of this year’s ‘Operation Lion’ which will launch in Tenby, Saundersfoot and surrounding areas, during the early May bank holiday, and continue through the summer.

The force is launching its annual summer operation aimed at engaging with communities, businesses and visitors to prevent antisocial and violent behaviour over the summer months.

Operation Lion is a proactive annual campaign that sees Dyfed-Powys Police, British Transport Police, Transport for Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council work in partnership over the county’s busiest season to keep residents and visitors safe.

Each weekend will see additional police resources from both Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams and Response policing, dedicated to key locations to deter the potential increase of crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour.

Over the summer Tenby will play host to a number of popular events including Carten, DGR Motorcycle Ride, the TSC sailing regatta and Firefly Championships, Long Course weekend, Summer Spectacular and IronMan Wales, which together attract thousands of tourists, holidaymakers and athletes to the town.

While this is seen as a huge boost for the area, the influx of visitors has resulted in increased calls for service to the police in previous summers.

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 across the force area.

“We have recognised that the increased demand started earlier this year. We have listened to the concerns from our communities, and have responded by bringing forward our policing and engagement plans.

“We want to ensure that everyone – residents and tourists alike – can enjoy the area and the events we host here safely, and Op Lion plays a very important role in this.

“Over the next few months, members of the public can expect to see a visible police presence in our busiest areas, which will act as a reassuring presence as well as a deterring factor for potential offenders.

“While Op Lion is our operation name relating to police and partner work in Tenby and Saundersfoot specifically, residents across Pembrokeshire can be reassured that increased visibility and patrols will be county-wide, our combined response to any incidents will remain strong and robust.”

Partners have also put their plans in place for the upcoming summer season.

Pembrokeshire County Council Assistant Chief Executive, Richard Brown, said: “Pembrokeshire and Tenby continue to be safe, friendly and welcoming destinations, where many thousands of people come each year to relax, explore and enjoy everything our stunning county has to offer. The overwhelming majority of visitors do so responsibly and respectfully, helping to create the positive atmosphere Pembrokeshire is known for.

“We’re pleased to see the return of Op Lion in Tenby, alongside increased police visibility and patrols across the county. These measures are about reassurance, supporting residents, businesses, and visitors alike, and ensuring everyone can continue to enjoy their time here with confidence.

“Working closely with the police and our partners, we remain committed to preventing anti-social behaviour and to dealing swiftly and effectively with the small minority who may choose to act irresponsibly, so that Pembrokeshire remains a place people love to visit and return to.”

British Transport Police T/Superintendent Jonathan Cooze said: “Anyone travelling to and from Tenby over the summer will see officers out across the rail network, working alongside Dyfed‑Powys Police and partners to provide a visible presence, reassure the public and help prevent disorder.

“We’re asking people to treat railway staff and fellow passengers with courtesy and respect, and for parents and guardians to be mindful of where their children are going and what they’re doing.

“Our focus is on helping everyone enjoy their journeys and their time at the resort safely and responsibly. If you see something that concerns you, please report it straight away by texting British Transport Police on 61016, or by speaking to a police officer or a member of railway staff.”

TfW Security Manager Simon Turton added: “We’re proud to once again be supporting Op Lion in Tenby this year, with additional security on trains and at stations between Pembroke Dock and Carmarthen, and funding for police overtime in place to keep our customers and colleagues safe.

“Tenby is a great place for a holiday or day out and we want everyone visiting the town by train to be able to do so safely.

“All our trains have high quality CCTV and our on board teams will be wearing body worn cameras to provide extra reassurance to those traveling.

“Please have a fantastic time if you’re visiting the town this year and please be respectful to fellow passengers, local residents and railway colleagues.”

The summer months are also typically the busiest time of the year for the force control room, which handles 999 and 101 calls, as well as email and online reports.

Every day call handlers answer thousands of phone calls from members of the public asking for our help – sometimes in an emergency, and sometimes from people who do not need urgent help.

It can be hard to judge whether it is an emergency. In general, you should call 999 if:

⚠️ There is an immediate risk of harm to someone’s life or property.

⚠️ A crime is ongoing, or the offender is still in the nearby area.

⚠️ You have been involved in or witnessed a serious collision, or there is a danger on the highway.

To report a crime online, click here: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/