Gwent Police protect and reassure our NHS colleagues

Throughout the Covid pandemic, Wales’ emergency workers have dedicated themselves to protecting and continuing to serve our communities.

NHS staff have worked tirelessly during the last year and a half, with many if not most working longer hours.

Despite the outpouring of support for our NHS colleagues, some offenders continue to target emergency workers.

Gwent Police has been working with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to protect property belonging to NHS staff, and to tackle a rise in theft of vehicles and theft from vehicles parked on NHS property.

The Gwent Police We Don’t Buy Crime team has been using a range of methods to identify individuals who are targeting health care professionals as they go about their daily business of protecting lives.

Recently, Gwent Police arrested an individual who had been targeting property belonging to NHS staff.

The male was charged, pleaded guilty in court, and was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison.

Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said:

“Police forces and health services serve a common purpose. By working together, we can protect and reassure communities and individuals across Gwent.

“Let this be a warning to those who seek to profit from criminality by preying on our hard-working NHS workers: you’re making a grave mistake.

“We will find you, and we will make you accountable for your actions.”

Judith Paget, Chief Executive of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said:

“We are very grateful to Gwent Police for their action in relation to thefts like these.

“The cars involved belong either to hardworking staff who’ve been under significant pressure during the Pandemic, or to patients who are receiving treatment at the hospital. This is unacceptable behaviour and we will not tolerate any such criminal activity on our premises.

“We will continue to work with Gwent Police to ensure our sites are safe places to visit.”