Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Businesses have been urged to report all incidents of crime to the police, by Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert.

The police and crime commissioner said he was concerned that traders did not report things like low-level theft or shoplifting.

Mr Cuthbert made the remarks after visiting communities in Blackwood, Caerphilly, Risca, Senghenydd and Ystrad Mynach.

As part of the visit to Senghenydd he visited a Police and Crime Commissioner funded skateboarding session in Senghenydd, run by charity Positive Futures.

Jeff Cuthbert said: “It has been a pleasure to get out and about in communities in Caerphilly, speaking to residents and traders about the issues that are affecting them.

“As the former Assembly Member for the area and as a resident myself, I am very proud to serve the local community and I have been pleased to find that, on the whole, communities have a very positive experience of their local policing service.

“I am concerned, however, that many traders tell me they are not reporting low-level thefts or incidents of shoplifting to Gwent Police. It is essential that traders report these issues to help the police identify patterns in crime and hotspot areas. If you are a trader and have experienced these issues, then please do report it as soon as possible.”