I took up karate because of intruders disrupting my pole dancing classes

When local youths discovered that a fitness course included pole dancing, they began attempting to force their way into sessions, leaving the instructor feeling so threatened that she took up karate for protection.

Eve Sipos, 36, revealed that her Pontypool Market studio in Torfaen faced daily disturbances, with some individuals avoiding evening classes and necessitating police intervention. Tackling anti-social behaviour has been a priority for Gwent Police over the next four years, leading to the creation of a community action team that has already made 120 arrests in its first four months, addressing both disturbances and illegal off-road vehicle use.

"Many people think pole dancing is just about performing in minimal clothing," said Eve. "My focus is on the fitness and empowerment aspects."

The situation at times made Eve dread going to work and consider hiring security, as she often had to call law enforcement multiple nights per week. Originally from Hungary and living in Wales for 13 years, Eve attributes much of the unrest to the post-Covid-19 lockdown period in 2021. Teenagers would congregate beneath her first-floor studio, intimidating participants, and escalated to breaking in once they learned pole dancing was involved.

"Having young people intrude during a session is extremely frightening," she stated.

Longtime participant Karen James, 58, who has been attending classes for over three years, described the experience as sometimes traumatic. "You often have to pass 10 to 15 children to reach class," she said. "Some fight, others use drugs, and theres a strong smell of cannabis. Asking them to leave politely can provoke abuse."

While the situation has improved over the past year and Eve has not had to use her karate skills, she would consider relocating her studio outside of the town if a suitable venue became available.

Community Response and Local Perspectives

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) encompasses a broad spectrum, including noise disturbances, littering, harassment, and criminal damage, with many incidents going unreported. In a recent Crime Survey for Wales and England, 36.7% of respondents reported witnessing or experiencing ASB locally.

Allun Davies, owner of Ragamuffins Emporium and committee member of Friends of Pontypool Town, noted that the town has seen "copycat behaviour," influenced by social media trends. He emphasized community engagement projects, such as tree planting and murals, to foster local pride and encourage residents to act against disruptive behaviour.

Mark Matthews, 70, retired after 30 years with Gwent Police, shared his concern about the emotional toll of ASB. Home Office research highlights that victims often experience fear, anger, and anxiety. Matthews recounted incidents of verbal abuse in his local area and stressed that increased visible policing could provide reassurance to residents.

Gwent Police did not comment on Eve's case specifically but confirmed that local officer contact information is publicly available and reviewed regularly. Caerphilly Council acknowledged a minor rise in Blackwood's anti-social incidents and noted ongoing collaboration with partner agencies to address the issues.

Meanwhile, the UK governments plan to replace police and crime commissioners with elected mayors in England has sparked debate over accountability in Wales, which does not have a mayoral system.

Author: Sophia Brooks