A rapid response vehicle will be in use in Wrexham

Community partnerships in Wrexham and Swansea are launching initiatives to reduce crime over the festive period.

According to the Safer Swansea Partnership, its campaign has led to a 45% fall in city centre violent crime.

Wrexham's Community Safety Partnership is placing "talking boxes" in the town which will let people know that they are being observed on CCTV.

The talking boxes will be placed in Wrexham's Brook Street and High Street.

Anyone intent on spoiling someone else's enjoyment will be dealt with quickly and efficiently Insp Chris Beasley

Both areas are trying to lessen the demand for treatment at accident and emergency departments.

In Swansea an A&E team will run a triage centre in the city to treat minor injuries at the scene, rather than take people to hospital unnecessarily.

In Wrexham a rapid response vehicle with paramedics will provide roadside treatment and assessment for minor injuries to reduce the demand for A&E treatment.

Malcolm Russell, chair of the partnership in Wrexham, said: "We will work closely with licensees so that we can look forward to Christmas with the confidence of knowing that Wrexham is a safe place to come and enjoy a night out with friends and relatives.

"Violent and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with quickly."

Insp Chris Beasley said: "Our message is clear; we want everyone to enjoy themselves and to be safe in the town centre.

"However, anyone intent on spoiling someone else's enjoyment will be dealt with quickly and efficiently."

Exclusion zone

Swansea's campaign, now in its third year, intends to clamp down on anyone who behaves violently in the city centre.

They will be banned from over 40 pubs and all nightclubs in Swansea through the city's exclusion zone scheme.

Chief Inspector Ray Bignell from South Wales Police said: "The partnership is totally committed to making Swansea a safe place for people to come and enjoy the facilities it has to offer.

"This latest focus for me is around availability of alcohol for persons already intoxicated.

"We have already done a lot of work with licensees over issues such as underage drinking and are looking to support them in other areas to deal with persons who are intoxicated," he added.

Plastic glasses will be used in many of the city centre pubs and clubs, portable urinals will be placed in the city centre and bottled water will be handed out by partnership staff.

According to the Swansea partnership, Wind Street will be closed at 0200 GMT on certain dates when the area is expected to be busy.