World Café to Tackle Serious and Organised Crime Held in Newport

More than 40 residents from Ringland and Alway took part in a ‘connecting café’ event to discuss serious and organised crime (SOC) in their area.

Local residents were joined by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Gwent, Gwent Police, Newport City Council and Newport City Homes at the event in Ringland.

The event, funded by the OPCC, saw a diverse group of people come together to share a range of experiences and discuss ways in which they can work as a community to reduce the impact of SOC across Newport.

On funding the event, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert said, “I am thrilled to have funded this innovative and inclusive event in Newport.

“It gives those who would not normally engage in public conversation the courage and safety to share their opinions and offer localised, relevant solutions.

“Because of the way these organised crime groups work, we have to rely on local intelligence and community support in order to dismantle and disrupt their operations.

“I want to reassure the communities in Newport that my office, Gwent Police and our partners will continue to work with you to ensure that you have a safe place to live.”

The ‘connecting café’ is part of a wider project, funded by the OPCC, being rolled out across Newport by Mutual Gain, an organisation committed to developing caring and supportive communities, which feel empowered to take ownership of resolving community issues.

Chief Inspector Paul Davies, who leads the Serious and Organised Crime Unit in Newport said “This event provides a great opportunity for us to engage with local communities within Newport to understand and identify the issues and problems impacting upon their daily lives.

With the help of these communities and partners, we can co-ordinate a problem solving approach to tackle organised crime groups.”