Alway residents invited to Safer Streets event

Alway residents are being invited to a public event to hear more about the scheme that will see almost £750,000 invested in crime prevention measures in Gwent.

Back in July, the force announced it had been successful in securing additional funds from the Home Office's Safer Streets scheme – a programme which gives forces across England and Wales the opportunity to bid for funding to assist with crime prevention work.

While Gwent Police work year-round to protect communities from the impact of crime and target those committing it, this funding gives them access to extra money that can be used to deliver a number of interventions.

The £746,702 Gwent Police secured during the latest round will be used to help prevent anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crimes like burglary, robbery and theft across six areas in Gwent – Alway in Newport, Blackwood, Brynmawr, Caldicot, Cwmbran and Tredegar.

As part of this, the team will be hosting several drop-in sessions where residents from these areas can meet officers, learn more about how the force is tackling crime and receive free crime prevention packs.

The first of these events will be held at Alway Police Station between 10am – 2pm on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 October.

Those who live in Alway can visit the station to speak to officers about the Safer Streets project, crime prevention, and, as long as they provide proof of address, receive a free crime prevention pack.

Chief Inspector Hannah Lawton, who's leading the project in Gwent, said:

"We're pleased to announce the next Safer Streets drop-in session in Gwent and look forward to meeting residents in Alway to explain what we'll be doing over the coming months as part of the scheme.

“While our officers work day in, day out to protect our communities from crimes like burglary, the Safer Streets initiative gives us access to extra funding that we wouldn’t normally receive, which we can use to buy evidence-based crime prevention equipment and fund interventions like this.

"Next week, those living in Alway can learn more about the project, speak to officers about any concerns they may have in their communities and receive a free crime prevention pack and advice.

"The packs can contain a number of items including forensic property marking kits, deterrent signage and equipment that can help you protect your homes, cars and valuable items – items like window or shed alarms, number plate security kits, keyless car signal blocking pouches and more.

"Officers from the team will be on hand to talk to residents about the packs, provide advice around increasing safety and how to deter thieves, as well as how else this additional funding will be used in Alway and other communities within the Gwent Police force area.” 

If you're from the area but can't make the event next week, please email [email protected] to find out how you can receive a pack.

For more information on the Safer Streets work in Gwent, visit https://www.gwent.police.uk/police-forces/gwent-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2021/safer-streets/.