Nick Thomas-Symonds spent time alongside Gwent Police Officers to see first-hand the work they are doing to combat anti-social driving around Cwmbran, and the guidance Gwent Police are offering to local residents to deter theft.
Running from July 18 to 22, Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week 2022 aims to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.
Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK involving Councils, Police Forces, Housing Associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.
Gwent Police have teamed up with South Wales Fire and Rescue throughout the week to engage with drivers at local anti-social behaviour hotspots to try to educate them about driving and the ease at which control can be lost and serious injury that can happen.
The Torfaen MP is urging members of the public not to suffer in silence if they experience anti-social behaviour.
Recent YouGov research commissioned by Resolve found that more than half of people (56%) believe that ‘more needs to be done’ to tackle ASB in their community. However, after they witnessed or experienced ASB, a similar proportion of the public (57%) said that they did not report it to anyone.
Commenting on Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “A number of constituents have contacted me about anti-social behaviour across Torfaen and how this effects their daily lives. I would encourage the public to report any anti-social behaviour to the local authority and to Gwent Police.
I would like to thank Gwent Police for the invite to see how they are combatting anti-social behaviour on the frontline in Cwmbran, and for the work they carry out every day to keep our community safe”.
Chief Inspector Amanda Thomas said:
“Everyone has a right to feel safe, which is why tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for us here at Gwent Police. Any behaviour that intimidates residents or puts them and visitors at risk is completely unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.
“Week in, week out, we work with partners in local authorities and emergency services to put measures in place to highlight those responsible for causing disorder, but also prevent it from happening in the first place.
“Community engagement and our work with schools and young people is key to this. Through the summer break, we’d urge parents to continue to talk to their children about the messages we’ve been delivering this ASB awareness week, so that our communities continue to play their part in addressing and reporting behaviour that negatively impacts the quality of life for our residents.
“If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour in your area, please call 101 or go along to one of our events or regular police surgeries – where you can meet your local officers and speak about what we’re doing to address the issues affecting our communities.”
