POLICE are to step up their patrols in Builth Wells after scores of laughing gas cannisters have been found strewn about the town – including in a children’s play park.

Concerns were originally raised earlier this month when a number of small silver-coloured canisters containing nitrous oxide – also known as ‘laughing gas’ or ‘nos’ – were discovered.

Dyfed Powys Police Chief Superintendent Jacqui Lovatt said this week that these small silver cannisters were found discarded in various areas of the Groe, including a play park area, outside the swimming pool, as well as the livestock market and car park and general area around the Riverside Community Centre.

The force announced that police officers would be patrolling the streets of Builth on Wednesday, January 12, following reports of people disposing of empty canisters of nitrous oxide.

And PC Wayne Ballard said he and other officers will be on patrol again this Thursday, January 20. PC Ballard said officers will be joined by youth workers and other partner organisations and will be speaking to youngsters to educate them about the possible dangers of inhaling laughing gas.

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas sold in small silver-coloured canisters and most commonly inhaled through balloons.

Users are most prevalent in young people and adults aged 16 to 24, according to the Office for National Statistics.

RISKS

While the canisters and dispensers can be bought and owned legally in the UK for other purposes – such as baking – it is classed as a psychoactive substance, and anyone involved in its supply and distribution for this purpose can be prosecuted.

Prolonged use of nitrous oxide can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, anaemia and nerve damage.