Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert: “The job of the police anywhere in the world is to protect and serve their communities”

I would like to start my column this month by reassuring readers that Gwent is one of the safest places in the UK to live, work and visit.

You may have heard of the two unrelated incidents in Caerphilly town recently where victims received stab wounds.

Public incidents like these are extremely rare and in both cases arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.

I would encourage anyone with information about individuals involved in knife crime to please get in contact with us on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The First Minister has recently announced a number of changes to the rules around social distancing, with the biggest immediate change being that members of two separate households in the same local area can now meet outdoors.

Like everyone, I miss seeing my family regularly and I hope this means many of you will now be able to see family and loved ones, even though you will still have to keep your distance.

Please remember that we are still in the middle of a public health crisis and people are still dying every day from this virus.

The advice is that you should avoid travelling more than five miles from your home and police can still enforce against anyone travelling outside their local area without a reasonable excuse.

I understand the anger and dismay felt by people following the death of George Floyd in the USA. I support the Black Lives Matter campaign but I must urge people wanting to protest not to do so anymore by attending large public gatherings. There is a real danger of helping to spread the coronavirus and that should be avoided.

I know that there was a protest gathering in Caerphilly last weekend and police reports are that it passed peacefully and without incident. I understand further that social distancing was observed in the main. 

Nevertheless my concerns about the risks to public health remain and I urge people not to repeat that type of protest.  

The job of the police anywhere in the world is to protect and serve their communities, and the anger people are feeling is understandable.

On this occasion in the USA there has been a serious failure and those responsible must be held to account.

It is my role to ensure that anyone dealing with the police here in Gwent is treated equally, fairly and with respect.

Working with our key partners and communities is key to better understanding the issues faced by many black and ethnic minority residents, and to engage with them to help address any negative experiences they have.

I am proud that we continue to make significant strides in increasing community cohesion, and ensuring that our police force and staff are representative of the communities they serve. This continues to be a very important part of my work.

Finally, in June we mark Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The isolation that the coronavirus lockdown has caused for many people has made them more vulnerable to all types of abuse. Our elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to this and we want people to look for any signs of abuse when they see them.

If you have concerns about someone you know you can speak to Gwent Police by calling 101, speak to your local police officers, or email contact@gwent.pnn.police.uk. However, remember in an emergency, where the incident is going or life is in danger, always call 999.