PCC Opens New Police Desk at Library

Gwent PCC Ian Johnston was joined by Caerphilly County Borough Council Leader, Cllr. Keith Reynolds, Caerphilly Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant, Wayne Alexander, and Caerphilly Local Policing Unit Chief Inspector, Paul Staniforth, to officially open the new Gwent Police Customer Service desk at Caerphilly town centre's library. The result of a partnership between the Commissioner and Caerphilly County Borough Council, the new Police Customer Service Desk is now open every Monday between 12pm and 2pm and every Thursday between 3:30pm and 5:30pm.

The new customer service desk does not have the same functions as a police station but is a place where the Force can provide valuable information to the public on crime prevention. The public can also access information concerning low level matters such as parking enforcement and information about local neighbourhood policing teams.

The new desk complements the services already on offer at Caerphilly Police Station, one of several stations in Gwent which were fully reopened five days a week (9am - 5pm) by the Commissioner earlier this year.

Urging the public to make the most of the new service, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston, said: "The new customer service desk is a welcome additional resource in the heart of the community where members of the public can obtain valuable information about policing and crime prevention initiatives in their area.

I'm delighted that we were able to work in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council to facilitate this move to such a prominent location in the centre of the town. I would encourage anyone in the community who wants information about crime prevention and policing in their area to make the most of this new service. This new facility complements the priorities outlined in my Police and Crime Plan, specifically with regards to delivering the best quality of service available for the people of Gwent."

The Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Councillor Keith Reynolds, said, "We are pleased to welcome Gwent Police to the new state of the art Caerphilly Library and Customer Service Centre.
Offering a one stop shop approach to access our services has always been high on our agenda. I am sure that this new addition to the building will enhance all the facility has to offer to the wider community."

Caerphilly Local Policing Unit Commander, Superintendent Marc Budden, added: "This is another example of the excellent relationship we have with Caerphilly County Borough Council and we look forward to sharing part of their estate in order to provide residents of Caerphilly with yet another way of engaging with their local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The new customer service desk at Caerphilly Library will provide Caerphilly officers the opportunity to talk to local people about local issues that they may not have raised with us in a police station setting, but will happily discuss if we are visible and available to them when going about their other daily business."