Neighbourhood Policing Week - The role of our Crime and Disorder Reduction Officers

Our Crime and Disorder Reduction Officers (CADRO) have a specialist role within Gwent Police’s neighbourhood policing teams.

CADROs lead on complex and persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) cases and provide essential expertise in ASB problem solving, partnership coordination, safeguarding and demand reduction.

They work with partner agencies, including local authorities, housing associations and community organisations, to address longer-lasting crime or behavioural issues that impact our communities.

PC Claire Drayton (above) is a CADRO in the Newport neighbourhood policing team.

She works tirelessly alongside partners, including Newport City Council and the Crown Prosecution Service, to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in Pill, Maesglas, The Gaer, Duffryn and Marshfield, and safeguarded victims of exploitation.

PC Drayton has been with Gwent Police for 26 years – the last nine-and-half years as a CADRO working to reduce levels of criminality and anti-social behaviour.

“ASB can have a profound impact on the confidence, wellbeing and quality of life of people living and working in our communities,” said PC Drayton.

“In my role, I work closely with local authorities, youth services, housing providers, health partners, and the wider public; these are all vital to the actions needed to address the causes of ASB, safeguard victims and prevent escalation wherever possible.”

This year so far, PC Drayton has applied for seven closure orders on properties linked to ASB – three of which have granted while another four are being progressed.

The latest closure order was granted on a flat in St Stephens Court, Pill, on Friday 29 May after a multi-agency action day identified concerns from residents about ASB and alleged drug use.

“My latest closure order was a result of a multi-agency action day I organised in April when the residents impacted by ASB at the flat told me about their concerns and put their trust and confidence in me to investigate it thoroughly,” said PC Drayton.

“We had reports of drug use and people congregating and sleeping in communal areas of this flat; clearly this behaviour was not acceptable.”

PC Drayton has used other criminal and civil measures this year to safeguard communities and protect victims of ASB.

She has supported two possession orders, applied for six Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), six community protection warnings, three community protection notices and provided evidence for seven Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions.

Hayley Brown, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer at Newport City Council, said:

“Claire consistently builds strong cases and works tirelessly to support residents, really listening to their concerns.

“Her commitment to reducing crime, tackling disorder, and protecting vulnerable people has a real impact on making Newport West a safer place.

“I often call her “the closure queen” as I’ve been involved in several closure cases with her, and it’s clear nothing gets past her.

“Claire has a great way of bringing partners together too, whether that’s out in the community through our walkabouts or in professional settings, and it is clear colleagues across agencies really respect her.”

PC Drayton said: “One of the most important things I can do in my role as a CADRO is to listen to people affected by ASB and maintain direct contact with victims and witnesses.

“Often people don't want to become involved in a case due to fears over possible reprisals, so it’s key that I offer reassurance, and make sure vulnerable people are protected from ongoing harm.

“People sharing their concerns with us about ASB is often the starting point.

“My role ensures that many issues are prevented through partnership working and this helps reduce demand on other teams in our service.”

You can report anti-social behaviour by:

calling 101

Contacting us via our website.

Sending us a direct message on Facebook or X

In an emergency, always dial 999.