Reoffending anti-social behaviour down by 86% across Newport following re-education course

Local officers crack down on anti-social behaviour in Newport centre.

Our Operation Ashton identifies offenders of anti-social behaviour in Newport and prevent further offences.

Our officers run these intervention courses alongside partners, to educate offenders of the impact anti-social behaviour has on the city centre, including local businesses and the effects alcohol and drugs can have on the body.

Providing offenders attend and actively participate in the course, and do not visit the city centre or commit further offences during these four-weeks, they will have their previous anti-social behaviour offence closed, and no further action will be taken.

If during or following the course they commit further offences, they will either be put under a prevention referral or they will be charged, depending on their involvement in our intervention scheme. The operation started in November 2021 and continues to reduce reoffending.

Of our first two cohorts, 19 offenders (86%) passed the course and have not committed further offences or visited Newport centre. Only 3 offenders (14%) failed the course, they are now going through the criminal referral route.

Inspector Shaun Conway said: “Anti-social behaviour is always unacceptable: it impacts the quality of life of our communities and will never be tolerated.

“We are continuing to think of new ways to take action against anti-social behaviour which causes harm in our communities. This new approach has already seen a reduction of anti-social behaviour recognised by local businesses in the city centre.”