Inspector’s blog: Shane Underwood, Blaenau Gwent

Season’s greetings to you all.

Being the local policing area inspector for Blaenau Gwent is a real privilege and I’m extremely proud to lead a committed team of police officers and community support officers who work tirelessly to protect and reassure our communities.

Tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and keeping people safe benefits hugely from the support of our partner agencies, local businesses, third sector organisations, volunteers, charities and communities – and I am extremely grateful for your ongoing support, so thank you.

As I reflect on the last year, Coronavirus continues to have a huge impact on all our lives and it is in times like these that community spirit comes to light.

You, the communities of Blaenau Gwent, have been exceptional in coming together to support one another through the difficult times. 

Christmas can be a difficult time for some people, so please continue to be supportive and compassionate to others throughout the festive period.  There are a number of support agencies that can help people during a time of need.

From a local neighbourhood policing perspective, we’ll continue to deal with all aspects of crime as well as focus on the areas you’ve told us affect you most, including:

1. Off-road bikes. Anyone identified riding off-road illegally will be prosecuted.  It can cause damage to the landscape and wildlife, pose risk to pedestrians, and affect quality of life. It has no place in Blaenau Gwent.  In 2021 we, along with our partners, worked to tackle this issue with numerous bikes being seized and people prosecuted.  We’ll continue to work hard to address this issue and I encourage you to please be courageous in reporting and supporting complaints against known individuals involved in this activity.
2. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can have a devastating effect on people’s wellbeing.  When tackling ASB we use a number of techniques, including preventative education, enforcement activities and work with key stakeholders. We also continue to work closely with our problem solving hub and look forward to developing further measures to reduce ASB.

We’ve also been working with local pubs, clubs and other licensed premises to ensure they’re managed appropriately – so everyone can celebrate the upcoming festive period in safe and inclusive environments.

Everyone needs to play their part. This includes looking out for those around you by making the right choice – like never driving under the influence of alcohol. It’s never acceptable and we’ll continue to respond robustly to those who put others at risk on the road.

Elsewhere, we continue to work hard with local businesses to prevent shoplifting and bring offenders to justice. We’ve increased our patrols in shopping areas in the county borough and brought a shop watch scheme to Ebbw Vale – to help prevent and detect theft.

I’d continue to encourage you to report anyone you suspect of shoplifting or handling stolen goods by calling 101 or reporting anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Finally, please look after yourselves this Christmas and don’t give criminals easy opportunities.

We’ve been sharing crime prevention advice through our @GPBlaenauGwent Twitter account, but simple things like not leaving presents on view, whether they be in the back of your car or under your tree, can help protect your belongings.

Be smart, be secure, be safe. 

I look forward to 2022 and the challenges and opportunities that await. 

I sincerely wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Nadolig Llawen.

Inspector Shane Underwood