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Jeff Cuthbert is the police and crime commissioner for Gwent. He represents Labour.
I spent time over the Easter break visiting some of the projects in Caerphilly that are funded through my office.
Positive Futures, which works in partnership with local councils in Gwent, ran sporting activities for children and young people, and more than 100 took part over the fortnight.
The sessions visited by myself and my team included a multisport day in Senghenydd, where I was pleased to see community support officers from the local policing team joining in with the fun and games, and a skateboarding session in Llanbradach.
Not all young people enjoy traditional team sports, and this can be a barrier for them becoming active, so I think it is important to offer sessions such as this that are a little different and allow young people to express themselves individually.
It was fantastic to see children out in the sunshine, enjoying themselves with their friends, but these sessions also have a more serious purpose.
To tackle crime and antisocial behaviour we have to start at the earliest opportunity. By engaging with children and young people at an early age we can reinforce positive behaviours, break down barriers and help to prevent them from becoming involved in crime or antisocial behaviour in the future.
The need for this early intervention was highlighted recently following the arrest of two boys, aged just 12 and 13, on suspicion of causing criminal damage to Blackwood bus station. While I am pleased that the local police team were able to identify and arrest those believed to be responsible, it is tragic that children so young should be involved in acts such as this.
In this case, the boys in question have been referred to the Youth Offending Service, where I am confident that they will be offered help and support that will enable them to avoid becoming involved in further acts of crime and antisocial behaviour.
Preventing antisocial behaviour is not just a job for the police. Many of the underlying causes which can lead to antisocial behaviour require a partnership response – things like inadequate housing, alcohol and drugs abuse, and social deprivation. This is why I am firmly committed to working with partners such as the local authority, schools and third sector organisations in Caerphilly to tackle these issues.
Last week I was pleased to be able to introduce the We Don’t Buy Crime Safer Neighbourhoods scheme to several community councils from across Gwent.
The scheme allows community councils to use some of their allocated funding to offer crime prevention packs to local residents. The packs contain SmartWater, which allows residents to forensically mark their property, and warning signs to deter thieves.By signing up to the scheme community councils can help to protect their residents, make them feel safer in their homes, and send a clear message to criminals that their community is one to avoid.
We have already had some initial interest in this scheme from community councils in Caerphilly and I hope that more will come on board. For more information visit the Gwent Police website.
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