Gwent Police open customer service desk at Caerphilly Library

A police information desk has opened at Caerphilly Library in a partnership between  Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The police counter was opened yesterday, July 28, by Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Ian Johnston alongside the council’s leader Keith Reynolds.

The customer service desk does not replace Caerphilly Police Station which provides a full service Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Officers manning the desk will provide 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.

Gwent PCC 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 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.”

After opening the desk, Mr Johnston added: “It’s another example of us working very closely with the local authority to inform the public about police engagement.

“It is really important to me and this new type of engagement follows on from working with the town council in Bargoed and opening up other stations across Caerphilly County Borough.”

The desk is situated next to Caerphilly Council’s  information desk at the library and opens Mondays, 12pm-2pm, and Thursdays between 3:30pm and 5:30pm.

Caerphilly County Borough Council Leader, Keith Reynolds, said: “I’m delighted to be here today to be part of the official opening of the police desk..

“It’s another great example of a partnership with the police and shows how we are bringing services to the community.

“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 Station Sergeant Wayne Alexander said the desk would increase public engagement.

He said: “It’s the knock on effect, sometimes people don’t come into the police station as it’s out of the way but when they see the police desk here at the library it’s an opportunity for them to come over for information.

“We are always looking for the opportunity to engage with the public and this is part of that.”