Inspector's blog | Newport East | July 2023

Hello all,

I'd like to introduce myself as the new Inspector for Newport East.  I’m really pleased to be working in the area and have already met many people in my short time here. I've previously worked as Inspector in our custody suite and before that spent many years as part of neighbourhood policing teams across Newport and Monmouthshire. I lead a very committed team of sergeants, police officers and community support officers and I wanted to tell you about some of things we've been working on recently...

Over the last month we have run three off-road bike operations in Maindee, Alway and Ringland and seized five bikes. Off-road bikes can be dangerous and anti-social and we know the negative impact they can have on communities.  There will be more enforcement days to come.

We've enforced two dispersal orders in areas experiencing an increase in anti-social behaviour and arrested two repeat shoplifters who were targeting stores in Caerleon Road and Chepstow Road.  They are now in prison.

We've been successful in securing a full closure order on a property on Corporation Road and a partial closure order on a property on Windsor Road following complaints of anti-social behaviour.  If you're experiencing any issues in your neighbourhood please contact us so we can take the appropriate action.

We took part in a operation in Maindee with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to raise awareness of the importance of wearing seatbelts.  A number of vehicles were stopped and advice was given.  Not wearing a seatbelt is one of the fatal five; one of the five main contributory factors that cause serious road traffic collisions.  Please make sure you wear yours.

We recently met with partner agencies in Ringland including; Newport City Homes, Newport City Council and the local schools.  We took a walk around the area to speak with local residents, hear their concerns and identify any issues.  We spotted graffiti, poor lighting, litter and abandoned vehicles and now have a plan in place to deal with them.

Members of the team have taken part in a Child Safety Week at Glan Llyn Primary School alongside local housing associations.  They've delivered inputs on cyber crime, run community safety-themed competitions and even had a visit from our police dogs!

Our team are in the process of visiting homes in Alway to give out crime prevention packs which include security lighting, security marking materials and locks.  Experience shows that when in place these can lead to a reduction in burglaries and thefts. We encourage you to take the time to utilise the contents of your pack in your home.

Finally, it's really important for me that we hear from you directly about what you believe the policing priorities are where you live.  My team are out and about in the community as much as possible to have these conversations.  We have plenty of ways to try and resolve problems and will take targeted action where and when possible.

Over the summer months our focus will be on anti-social behaviour.  I will be provide a further update in relation to that in my next blog.  Until then, please follow us @GPNewport to see the latest updates and be notified of police surgeries in your area.

Thank you for reading,

Inspector Roland Giles