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Jane Mudd is the police and crime commissioner for Gwent. She represents Labour.

I have been very impressed to see the good partnership work that is taking place in Rhymney to tackle issues of crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.

The purpose of Respect Rhymney is to use targeted police operations to disrupt crime groups and then work together with the local authority and residents on regeneration projects to restore pride in the community.

Over the last year, Gwent Police officers have been carrying out investigations and have arrested eight organised crime group members, which has led to both crime and antisocial behaviour decreasing.

The next phase of the initiative began last week with a two-day enforcement operation, arresting a suspected drug dealer, and working with trading standards officers to target shops and pubs with information on underage sales and illegal vapes. 

Further arrests were made for offences ranging from shoplifting to driving under the influence of drugs.

The police cannot do this alone so if you do have any information that may help, please contact them on 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report information anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.

More information on this project is available on the Gwent Police website.

I would like to thank everyone in the Caerphilly borough that has given their time over the last few months to complete my Police and Crime Plan survey, talk to me and my team at events, or comment online.

The feedback you have given me on issues in your area, your experiences with the police, and what you think policing in Gwent should focus on, will be hugely helpful to me and I promise to read every comment. It has already given me a great insight into public opinion across Gwent and the information we have gathered will be critical in the development of my Police and Crime Plan. It will also be used as part of the recruitment process for the new chief constable of Gwent Police, which is currently ongoing.

My next job is to work with my team to analyse all the data and start drafting my plan. We will be doing specific focus groups on this in due course and if you are interested in playing a part in this work then please sign up to my ebulletin and we will notify you when opportunities are available.

Community groups, voluntary organisations or charities in Caerphilly County Borough can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the Gwent High Sheriff Community Fund for projects that support children and young people, and help reduce crime and improve safety in their community.

This year I am proud to be contributing £65,000 towards the fund to help ensure that grassroots community groups can access essential funding to support young people in their area.

If your group is running a project that is creating positive opportunities for children and young people, offering them an alternative to becoming involved in crime and antisocial behaviour, then I would urge you to apply and together we can make a difference.

For details visit the Community Foundation Wales website.