30 minutes is allocated for questions to the Gwent Police representative.
Minutes:
Superintendent M Richards gave the Council an update on current police matters before inviting questions from councillors
Councillor Truman referred to a spate of serious antisocial incidents in Alway, Ringland and Lliswerry. A meeting was held by residents, who raised their concern that there was lack of communication and visibility from the Police. Residents understood and sympathised with the Police cuts and the Councillor thanked the Police for attending. Councillor reiterated that it was an easy thing to fix; communication and visibility. Supt M Richard, thanked Councillors Truman, Guy and Jeavons and had recognised the massive support from councillors and was aware that police needed to do more and with this in mind, was committed to acting on issues raised at the resident’s meeting and was working more closely with the elected members.
Councillor Linton was at the above mentioned meeting and echoed the sentiment of Councillor Truman and asked what was to be done by the police in addition to the above mentioned for Ringland. Supt M Richard was stressed that it was important to get visibility right. Community Safety Officers presence was taken out of Alway and Ringland and placed with primary school children for extra security. Improvements however was expected in the key areas.
Councillor Harvey thanked the police on swift their swift reaction in relation to the above wards and thanked Insp Cawley, who was a good inspector that cared about residents. Police were faced with cuts and residents did not understand this until they attended the meeting. The Superintendent was committed to working together with residents and councillors.
Councillor Guy referred to scams targeting older people and asked was there any help from organisations to prevent this occurring. Supt M Richards advised that preventative work was published online but was aware that there was probably a lot of senior citizens that did not go online. With this in mind, he would meet with Councillor Guy to discuss an alternatives way to raise awareness.
Councillor Rahman mentioned the drug issues around Morris Street which was discussed at the last council in January. Councillor Rahman was litter picking recently with John Griffiths AM and Jessica Morden MP. Drugs were found hidden on the weekend in places such as drains. Two PCSOs were seen in the area but with Summer approaching and a lack of police presence, this problem would increase. The Superintendent advised that he would contact Insp Cawley to look into this matter.
Councillor Marshall referred to the recent space of burglaries in Gaer, and advised that it was difficult for victims to obtain communication from the police, could the Superintendent therefore take into consideration the deep concern from residents. Supt M Richards stressed that he was aware of the crimes and would focus on tacking the issue as a matter of priority.
Councillor Jeavons asked if there was any update on speeding cars outside Tesco in Spytty. The Superintendent advised that there was nothing to update at present but would email Councillor Jeavons on any progress.
Councillor Spencer referred to speeding issues within Beechwood Ward; near the park. There had been serious accidents around Chepstow Road, Maindee and Alway, cars had been written off due to the nature of the accidents. The Councillor reiterated to keep up any work being done in this area. This was noted by the Superintendent.
Councillor Ferris mentioned that a resident recently opened door selling household goods, went inside the resident’s house and allegedly took over £100. This was not only about the loss of money but it knocked the resident’s confidence and they felt embarrassed and needed assurance. The Superintendent would speak with Councillor Ferris and contact the victim.
Councillor Morris attended a public meeting recently due to a spate of fires in Alway, Ringland and Somerton, which might be linked. Victims felt abandoned by the police. The pattern of fires was troubling and getting out of hand. Supt M Richards was aware and this was an ongoing investigation, he was disappointed to hear that victims were not kept up to date and would contact his colleagues.
Councillor J Watkins, reflected Councillor Ferris’ concerns regarding door to door callers, which had also taken place in Caerleon selling paintings, although there had been no report of a crime. In addition, there was heavy traffic on the bridge into Caerloen, happening on a daily basis. It was also disappointing at a recent ward meeting there was no police or PCSO in attendance to represent Caerleon. Supt M Richards would look into police attendance at the next Caerleon Ward meeting.
Cllr Hourahine supported Cllr Guy’s query and referred to a recent seminar on money and pension service and warned that anyone could be scammed. The most vulnerable ages ranged between 45-60yrs, there was information that the Councillor was happy to provide the police and councillors. The Superintendent would also distribute the information.
Councillor Holyoake welcomed the police presence in Pill as residents walking past youths gathering outside shops on Commercial Street were intimidated. The mounted police presence was a positive move to engage with the community. Monthly meetings working well but some areas including outside Kwik Save, drug dealers congregated. Would this are be watched by the police. The Superintendent would hold inspectors to account as Pill was a priority area for the police.
Cllr H Thomas referred to Superintendent mentioning that crime figures were down, this was in his opening remarks. Councillor Thomas wanted to know were less people reporting crime, as residents in Shaftesbury still complained about incidents. Supt M Richards advised that the reduction in crime had been more than likely been as a result of residents not reporting incidents and was sad to hear that people might not be reporting crime. There were less solved crimes than that recorded in the previous year.
Cllr Cockeram praised the work of the safeguarding team and the partnership with the police and hoped it would continue with no threat of any financial cuts. The Superintendent agreed and hoped that it may continue and was committed to the resource and could not see it being withdrawn