Inspector’s blog: Inspector Boucher, Caerphilly central

In my first blog of 2022, I wanted to touch on the work we’re doing to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area and to introduce a new project we’ll be launching with the Safer Caerphilly partnership in Blackwood.

Over the last month, we’ve organised a number of operations to address reports of ASB and criminal damage in Blackwood town centre.

This has included the issuing of dispersal orders, increasing patrols in the town and working with partners to introduce new measures that prevent the disorder from happening in the first place.

Over the last few weekends we’ve made two arrests (a 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of public order offences) while ASB injunctions have been taken out against another three people following reports of persistent disorderly behaviour.

These ASB injunctions prohibit them from entering the town unless accompanied by a responsible adult and stop them from gathering in groups of four or more. If they breach the injunction, they can face arrest.

We also work with partners, including schools, to introduce measures aiming to divert young people away from behaviour that adversely affects our community (examples include working with the REACH intervention project and the Youth Offending Service).

We’re committed to tackling ASB across Gwent and, to make our towns safer places in which to live and work, will continue to take robust action against those who cause distress and harm in our communities.

I’m pleased to say that reports of ASB have reduced since its peak in October last year but there is still plenty to be done. Thank you for your continued support.

Our Safer Caerphilly project

This week also sees the launch of “Town Safe”, a Safer Caerphilly scheme designed to reduce ASB and enable local retailers to report incidents and share information around crime prevention.

Intended to make our town safer for residents and retailers alike, the aims of Town Safe are to:

•             reduce / prevent local crime and disorder through targeted work

•             reduce fear of crime

•             address issues relating to antisocial behaviour

•             create safer neighbourhoods

•             build community spirit

•             improve partnership working with community groups

•             help identify and apprehend criminals through a reporting network

•             improve quality of life and the environment.

On signing up to the scheme, retailers receive a visit from the force’s design out crime officers, who work with them to suggest measures that can improve the store’s security and deter anti-social behaviour.

Interested businesses who sign up and “pledge” to tackle ASB with us and the Safer Caerphilly partnership will also be offered training through our We Don’t Buy Crime team and the opportunity to become an accredited “safe space” in the town.

The accreditation and training encourages businesses to understand unacceptable attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls and know their role in helping those in need.

Businesses who witness any inappropriate behaviour are then able to provide immediate support for anyone who might feel unsafe before contacting the police.

We’ll be sharing more information about Town Safe on our @GPCaephilly Twitter account in the coming weeks.