30 minutes is allocated for questions to the Gwent Police representative.
Minutes:
The Presiding Member introduced Superintendent J White of Gwent Police, who provided council members with an update on police issues within East, West, and Central Newport.
The Presiding Member invited the Leader to address Superintendent White.
The Leader welcomed Superintendent White and thanked the police on behalf of Newport City Council for their policing support made during the Pride Event. The Leader reflected that this had been an outstanding example of community policing and commended the police and PCSOs who engaged with the public on the day.
The Leader mentioned a variance in police engagement with elected members meant that communication and correspondence received differed in the west of Newport by comparison to the east, where ward colleagues were well informed about recent changes to the police force. The Leader asked if the Superintendent would address this to ensure that all ward colleagues within Newport were informed and updated.
Superintendent White agreed that there were disparities. With regard to the recent changes to the west of Newport, Sergeant Merve Priest was stepping up as Inspector and there was a new Chief Inspector, Amanda Thomas, who was clear in her views around consistency of engagement to elected members and residents and this would be seen in all communication going forward.
The Leader referred to the police monitoring of 30mph and 20mph speed limits and requested that they look into speeding issues along Almond Drive, outside the primary school. Whilst the Council’s enforcement officers could demonstrate some activity, a PCSO presence would also be welcomed, around school times.
Questions to the Police raised by Councillors:
§ Cllr Evans asked a hypothetical question about his back garden and the Superintendent advised that such instances would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and could be deemed as criminal damage, but similar situations would be checked with other agencies such as Welsh Water before making a determination on this.
Councillor Evans asked what judicial powers the police had in relation to travellers and how difficult this was to enforce. Superintendent White stated that Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 2022 was introduced to give police more powers to deal with illegal encampments, however, three criteria under this legislation had to be met before this could be enforced: significant damage to land, significant disruption, and significant distress. Encampments had set up in Newport in the past with pockets of incidents of theft, damage, and disorder but it was not deemed to be significant. Whilst the Superintendent understood the frustration of residents, guidance from Welsh Government Policy advised that the determining factor of significance lies with the police.
§ Councillor Jenkins was contacted by elderly residents and asked what could be done to tackle the anti-social behaviour at the back of Asda in Pillgwenlly. Superintendent White confirmed that dedicated patrols we carried out around the area. The police have powers and PSPOs in place that they can use. The Superintendent considered that links with the community was important, and more patrols would be carried out. Councillor Jenkins advised that the incidents are happening constantly, the youths would disperse when the police were called, but would return once police had left. Superintendent White confirmed that this would be raised with the new Sergeant in the area, Chris Johnson who would discuss concerns with the Councillor and put in place a plan of action.
§ Councillor Howells referred to issues taking place around Pontfaen Shops and asked for an update on how issues would be taken forward. Councillor Howells reflected that the local Inspector had been proactive with issuing dispersal orders which helped on a short-term basis; however, ward councillors were looking for a long-term solution. The Superintendent confirmed that analytical work had been conducted to see where the damages were taking place and looking at intelligence to identify the suspects; this included trawling through CCTV footage and engaging with the community. There would be dedicated patrols in the areas to provide reassurance to Councillors and the community. At a recent operation, seven e-bikes were seized, within the Lliswerry and Pontfaen area. The Presiding Member asked what happened to the e-bikes after they were seized. The Superintendent advised that most of the e-bikes would be crushed, and this would be filmed and shared through social media. The Superintendent confirmed that he is in discussion about using seized e-bikes as part of a police fleet, as the Metropolitan Police have done this, and have identified appropriate training and policies.
§ Councillor Reeks referred to the increase in crime across Newport. At a recent ward meeting for Rogerstone North, residents questioned whether this was due to the lights being switched off by the Council at night. The Superintendent observed that the crimes of theft referenced by Councillor Reeks had occurred during the day, whilst nighttime offences such as residential burglaries had reduced in number.
§ Councillor Al-Nuaimi referred to the recent change in speed limits in Wales and the that he felt signage was important to indicate where drivers should limit their speed to 20mph. The Superintendent advised that signage is the responsibility of Welsh Government and referred to the Highway Code; streetlamps 200 yards apart dictate a 30mph speed limit, however this would now be a 20mph limit unless there is signage that indicates otherwise.
§ Councillor Drewett mentioned that it was Bonfire Night soon and asked for assurances of a police presence in Ridgeway. Superintendent White advised that police were preparing for Halloween and Bonfire Night and putting embargos on police officers requesting annual leave to provide maximum resources along with the Fire Services.
§ Councillor Hourahine wanted to mention three PSCOs who carried out outstanding work in St Julians and wanted to pass on their first names to the Superintendent, Annabel, Caitlin, and Clare.
§ Councillor Morris referred to CCTV footage involving a drug related incident on an e-bike, and asked if he could he pass the information on to Superintendent. The Superintendent confirmed he would make contact outside of the meeting.
§ Councillor Batrouni thanked officers for fighting crime across the city. Councillor Batrouni referred to the comments made by the Superintendent about the rise in crime and asked if was this related to the cost-of-living crisis. Superintendent White mentioned that most acquisitive crime is due to prolific offenders. The Superintendent believed that the police needed to engage with offenders at probation much earlier to stop the cycle. The cost-of-living crisis did not help matters but from personal experience those committing offences were prolific offenders.
Councillor Hussain had attended the Police surgery in Victoria Ward with PCSOs where residents raised concerns about the Box Hotel in Llanwern Street. Councillor Hussain thanked police for the update and had passed the information on to residents. In addition, there had been many complaints regarding Cyril Street and Councillor Hussain asked was there any update relating to the property. Councillor Hussain also mentioned that the PSCOs Inspector Giles, kept ward colleagues updated and therefore wanted to pass on her thanks. Superintendent White was aware that the Box Hotel was causing significant issues to residents. Proceedings are ongoing and the police are working with partners including closures to stop this happening time and again. The Superintendent would ask Inspector Giles to speak with Councillor Hussain outside of the meeting about problematic premises with the area, as he was keen to get closure motions in place.