As part of the latest in a series of dedicated days of action, officers from a number of council teams, led by our community protection team, Gwent Police and other partners were out engaging residents and businesses about issues such as anti-social behaviour and community safety.
Officers were also engaging with residents about the renewed public space protection orders (PSPOs) that are now in place for the city centre and for Pill.
A PSPO is an order which covers a specific location and is designed to help the council and police deal with anti-social behaviour.
As well as the action day, last week Councillor James Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration, visited a number of local businesses in the city centre to talk about anti-social behavoiur concerns, alongside Councillor Kate Thomas, ward member for Stow Hill, and Inspector Rob Ball from Gwent Police.
These follow on from several action days the teams carried out last year, and is the latest in a regular series of actions, patrols and partner days planned for the city centre.
Regular patrols of the city centre by the community protection team and the police have been having an impact, with businesses saying that they had noticed less anti-social behaviour as a result.
Recent statistics for Newport also point to a reduction in crime. Between July and December 2024, crime in Newport was down by 18 per cent.
Shoplifting across the city was also down 47 per cent in the same period, with burglaries tracking below the average figure, and a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the city centre, Bettws, Pill and Alway.
This council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour across the city,” said Councillor Pat Drewett, cabinet member for communities and tackling poverty with responsibility for community safety.
“Our action days in the city centre, along with the other work our community safety team is doing in fostering key relationships with businesses and partners, is helping to make a real difference.
“This is evidenced by the latest statistics, which show that our efforts, along with the good work being carried out by Gwent police, are having an impact.
“Residents and businesses can rest assured that we will keep working to make our city as safe as possible for everyone.”
Superintendent Jason White, Neighbourhood Policing for Gwent Police, said: “I want to reassure all businesses, shoppers and visitors to Newport city centre that we’re listening to your concerns.”
You will continue to see high-visibility patrols as we remain committed to working closely with Newport City Council and our other partners to make life safer in the city centre for everyone.
“When you see our officers in and around Newport city centre, please do stop and chat with them, and continue to report your concerns to us.”
The council encourages residents to report any instance of anti-social behaviour in any part of the city.
