With the support of Newport City Council, Gwent Police is increasing its presence in Newport city centre to combat ongoing problems of anti-social behaviour.
This news comes months after several Newport businesses complained about “bus station gangs” drinking alcohol and using drugs downtown.
“The gang are known as the ‘Upper Dock Street Zombies’. They are rude and abusive and constantly shout,” said salon owner Laura Knapman, 31, of Hair at No.5.
“They are relentless, it’s terrible. They blast music from loudspeakers, pee in the street and throw beer glasses at each other.”
According to shop owners, they usually hang out at the market’s bus stop. (Image: Newsquest)
Imran Abbas, 42, owns the Premier on Upper Dock Street and faces the same problems as other business owners in the area.
He said: “Every day they give me problems from 5 or 6 in the morning. They sit there all day, taking drugs and drinking – they even come into my shop and steal.”
Annette Farmer runs a jewellery shop in Newport High Street, near the arcade. She said: “Our customers cannot go around the corner without being harassed or begged for money.”
Newport City Council says it has begun to tackle this issue by deploying its Community Protection Team alongside Gwent Police and the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS).
“While we know that many people who work in or visit the city centre have very positive experiences,” said Councillor Pat Drewett, “we also know that there are problems with anti-social behaviour in the city centre that we need to address.”
Last Thursday, the city council organized a “day of action” to speak with residents and business owners about their concerns in the city center.
City councillors have announced that these “action days” will take place regularly. (Source: NCC)
Sergeant Paul Turner, of the Newport Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The work our officers are doing in partnership with Newport City Council and other organisations is vital to ensuring people continue to feel safe.”
“This day of action was part of the new Police Problem Solving Plan (POP) for the city centre, which aims to tackle any incidents of anti-social behaviour in Upper Dock Street and the surrounding areas.
“Thanks to more visible officer patrols at known hotspots and our close working with licensees, community safety officers and night ambassadors, we have seen a month-on-month decline in recorded violent crime and robberies in the city centre.
“I want to reassure all Newport residents, businesses and visitors that we take your concerns seriously and are committed to working with our partners to continue to make life better and safer for everyone.”
A Gwent Police spokesman said: “Anti-social behaviour and all associated crime is completely unacceptable and we understand the harm it causes to local residents and business owners.”
“Our message is clear: such behavior will not be tolerated.”
If you notice something you think is wrong, or would like to report a non-urgent crime, you can contact Gwent Police on 101 or direct message them via their social media accounts.
