Teen gangs in violent attacks

A total of 77 people have been injured in violent attacks in Caernarfon - scene of the Prince of Wales' investiture in 1969 - in the last six months.

Many of the night time assaults in this normally quiet seaside town have been carried out by teenage gangs, according to a BBC Wales investigation.

The figures were compiled by North Wales Police for BBC Radio Cymru's weekly current affairs programme "Manylu".

Police say they are dealing with the problems

The programme has obtained CCTV footage of gangs of youths attacking revellers in the town late at night.

Pictures to be shown during Thursday's programme support the disturbing crime figures.

They reveal that people who go out in Caernarfon for the evening are three times more likely to be injured than those visiting Bangor, which is about 10 miles away.

Police have acknowledged there is a problem in the town, and say they know who the gangs are and are in the process of arresting them.

Violence

Town traders believe that people are staying away from the centre due to the extreme nature of the violence, and fear that this may affect their businesses.

As Christmas approaches many people will be out celebrating in Caernarfon with friends and relatives.

Police say that the town will, as always, be well-manned by officers, and people need not avoid the area.

But they are warning revellers to take care, and to avoid walking alone along dark streets.

Manylu is broadcast in Welsh at 1812 GMT on Thursday on BBC Radio Cymru. It is repeated at 1330 GMT on Sunday.