Although skewed by the new method of recording crime in the Dyfed Powys Police area, reports of assaults, especially during weekend evenings, have increased by about 50 per cent, the town's inspector has revealed this week.
While the figures are in line with increases across the rest of the county, Insp. Les Clark has voiced concerns about the regularity with which assaults and other crimes of violence are occurring.
"Barely a weekend now passes without at least a couple of offenders being arrested and locked up for violence," said Insp. Clark.
"Of the 367 offences of violence recorded by my officers this fiscal year, 41 per cent were related to the misuse of alcohol and another 20 per cent were related to domestic incidents.
"Offenders and victims were normally young men, with the offences taking place in or near pubs or clubs," he pointed out.
Insp. Clark explained that when a person is arrested for an offence of violence they are handcuffed, placed in a 'cage' in the back of a police van and normally held overnight in a cell at Pembroke Dock police station.
"They are then interviewed on tape when sober (the following morning) and then normally charged or cautioned for an offence," he said.
"Whether charged or cautioned, the person is fingerprinted, photographed and a DNA sample obtained. They are then left with a criminal record for the rest of their life. The whole process is an unpleasant experience and definitely something to be avoided if possible."
Although police officers are used to dealing with public order situations and drunken behaviour, accepting it as part of the job, Insp. Clark has noticed that more and more drunks call for an ambulance as well as the police, whether they need one or not.
"I am able to recall several instances recently when drunks have summoned an ambulance, only to then refuse treatment or were found to require little or no treatment at all, other than being advised to go home to bed and sober up," he said.
"Obviously, if an ambulance was required for a genuine emergency it would not be available. The ambulance service has a policy of not accepting abuse or unlawful behaviour towards staff and this policy is supported by the police service 100 per cent."
In a bid to crackdown on the problems, police officers have teamed up with local licensees.
"Local licensees have been consulted and are supporting police in measures to try and bring the situation under control," said Insp. Clark.
"Troublemakers will be banned from Tenby pubs if they are found to be disorderly and all licensees will apply this policy rigidly. So-called stag and hen parties will be strictly controlled and only groups who are sober will be allowed entry to town pubs. Licensees who have CCTV systems have agreed to hand over CCTV recordings of troublemakers on the request of the police if evidence is needed.
"Officers will continue to patrol as often as possible on foot and will increase visits to pubs and clubs to try and deter offences before they occur."
Where youth disorder is concerned, Insp. Clark said he is considering inviting parents to the police station to actually view the behaviour of their children when causing annoyance to others.
"Youth persons should be spoken to by parents and warned of the dangers of being involved in crime, especially crimes of violence," he said.
"Although police cautions are expunged at 17 years of age, providing no other offending takes place, youngsters are not entitled to too many chances. Eventually, we are forced to take action and charge individuals, which can affect the rest of their lives."
Insp. Clark also gave a warning about underage drinking, which will be targeted not only in pubs and clubs, but at off-licences.
"Not only do the young persons commit, the off-licence is also responsible and is reported for aiding and abetting underage drinking," he said.