Gwent Police secures £1m to fight anti-social behaviour
From April 2024 to March 2025, an additional 7,000 hours were dedicated to patrolling 'hotspot' areas across Gwent.
The force's neighbourhood policing lead says this contributed to a decrease in ASB reports last year.
The force has secured additional funds to support proactive patrols in places like Bettws, Cwmbran, Blackwood, Tredegar, and Abergavenny.
T/Chief Superintendent Jason White said: "Positively, in the first 12 months of the operation, we've been able to increase visible patrols across 18 hotspot areas in Gwent and have seen a six per cent reduction in reports of ASB.
"Over the next year, we're committed to complementing our existing patrols with an additional 9,000 hours' worth of high-visibility policing as part of operation Lockwood."
He highlighted the force's 'strong, robust focus on neighbourhood policing' and the recent and upcoming launch of a community action team.
This team will focus on tackling ASB and specific crime trends in identified areas.
The funding will allow the force to maintain and increase its visibility within communities.
Mr White added: "Officers not only act as a visible deterrent but are in the hearts of our communities to listen to you about any concerns you have."
The initiative will see officers continue to work with community safety teams across Gwent's five local authority areas, focusing on reducing reports of disorder and knife crime.
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