30 minutes is allocated for questions to the Gwent Police representative.
Minutes:
Chief Superintendent Mike Richards gave an update on local policing matters, highlighting key developments particularly relating to priority areas of anti-social behaviour, begging and issues with the night-time economy.
· Councillor Roger Jeavons was pleased to note the progress made in addressing the issues with ‘Boy Racers’ and the anti-social behaviour associated with this, which would need a continually robust response during the summer months. Cllr Jeavons also thanked the Police for their support during the first few weeks of the transfer to Civil Parking Enforcement which had been successful.
· Councillor Majid Rahman asked for assurances of increased police visibility in the Victoria Ward, noting several instances of anti-social behaviour including off road biking, and the concerns of the local community in that area. The Police noted that the instances referred to were known to the police, and provided assurances that the Police would be as visible as was possible within the area.
· Councillor David Fouweather asked for an update on whether the additional police officers for Newport City Centre were in place, and whether there was an increase in foot patrols to increase visibility and address the concerns of residents coming into the city centre after 4pm.
The Police responded that an additional 8 Police Constables had arrived in the City Centre Team in the last four months, and there had been an increase in foot patrols within the city centre. A plan to address City Centre issues was being developed, and the Police undertook to keep the Councillor informed on this matter.
· In relation to the enforcement of the City Centre Public Space Protection Order, particularly relating to begging within 10 metres of a cash point, Councillor Matthew Evans highlighted that this continued to be an issue for local residents both at night and during the day. Appreciating that it was a multiagency approach, the Councillor sought assurances that this would be a priority for the City Centre Team. The Police confirmed that this continued to be a priority, and agreed to follow up the concerns with the City Centre Policing Team to ensure the police response was as robust as possible.
· Councillor Ray Truman asked the Superintendent to comment on whether the Police non-emergency number was to be discontinued. The Superintendent was not aware of any such proposal, and would confirm with Councillor Truman directly.
· Councillor Gail Giles thanked the Neighbourhood Watch Groups across Newport for the work they undertook, which the Superintendent reiterated this thanks.
Councillor Giles also highlighted concerns that had been raised in relation to accessibility at Maindee and Alway Police Station, noting that there was no longer a front desk, only a phone. The Police were asked what forms of communication were available at this police station, as not all residents could communicate via email and there were instances where face to face to face discussions would be useful. The Superintendent agreed to go back to Inspector Cawley who covers this area to comment on this and reply to Councillor Giles.
· Councillor David Williams asked for thanks be passed on to Inspector Tomkova- Griffiths and her team for the support with an ongoing problem in Bassaleg.
· In relation to parking, Councillor Ray Mogford asked for an explanation of the reference on social media that there had been Police Car ticketed. The Superintendent was not aware of this but would look into this matter.
(Note: The Leader later provided information that this incident had been a ticket moved from another car and the Police car had not been ticketed.)
· Councillor Jane Mudd thanked the superintendent for the update, and welcomed the action being undertaken in relation to the city centre. In relation to the distribution of the knife crime and acid attack kits. The Business Improvement District Board had had a discussion on this recently and were encouraging local businesses to attend the training. Positive feedback had been received from local business on the proactive approach to be fed back to the City Centre Team and thank the officers for the action being taken for citizens in the City Centre.
· Regarding the dismantling of tents mentioned in the Superintendent’s update, Councillor Chris Evans sought clarification on the context of this. The Superintendent clarified that the tents that had been removed were disused tents linked to drug use presenting a significant health hazard rather than shelter for homeless.
· Councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi asked for thanks to be conveyed to the City Centre team for their support. It was also asked whether there were more resources now available to the Police to address issues in the city centre following Civil Parking Enforcement being transferred to the Council. The Superintendent confirmed that Civic Parking Enforcement had already reduced the demand significantly on city centre resources resulting in an increase in capacity to address issues around anti-social behaviour.
· Councillor Debbie Wilcox thanked the police and other partners for the collaborative work being undertaken relating to the issues around homelessness in the City Centre. It was the Council’s duty and responsibility to work in partnership with the Police in these matters, and the need for balance in preventative measures to address homelessness whilst ensuring the safety of all citizen in the City Centre was highlighted.
The Mayor thanked the Superintendent for his attendance and contribution to the Council meeting.