Local Priorities ASB Update

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding ASB, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

We are receiving reports of unknown persons using nitrous oxide from 'NOS cannisters' and dumping the remains in the shared bin spaces at Clearwell Court in the Bassaleg area. The Bettws Neighbourhood Policing team are actively patrolling to deter this activity. We are liaising with Newport Council and Hedyn to reduce this issue. Today we have conducted a letter drop to residents in the area with Hedyn to raise awareness, encourage reporting and provide safety advice.

The facts around nitrous oxide:

- It is a colourless gas, also known as ‘laughing gas’. It can be misused for its psychoactive effects or to ‘get a high’ by inhalation.
- Heavy nitrous oxide use can result in serious health harms such as neurological damage and even death due to the risk of falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen.
- Prior to 8th November 2023, nitrous oxide was subject to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 however, it had not been an offence to possess nitrous oxide (except in a custodial setting).
- The law has been updated to make possession of nitrous oxide illegal from 8th November 2023 if it is, or is likely to be, wrongfully inhaled, by classifying it as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
- If proven guilty, those found in unlawful possession will face either an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment or a caution.
- Repeat serious offenders may face a prison sentence of up to two years, an unlimited fine, or both. The penalty for supply or production will double, to up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

Your information and vigilance play a key role in assisting our investigations. If you see anything suspicious in the area, please contact police on the various methods listed below. You can also contact Hedyn or Newport Council.

Thank you for your support with this matter.

Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police.

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 aims to put victims first, giving power to local people and enabling professionals to find the best solutions for their local area.

The act provides the police, local authorities and other local agencies with flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour.

These include:

• civil injunctions.
• criminal behaviour orders.
• public spaces protection orders.
• community protection notices.
• dispersal powers.
• closure powers.

The act also includes measures such as the Community Remedy and antisocial behaviour case reviews which empower victims and communities to have a say in the outcome of their reports and hold agencies to account.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.gwent.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. 

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

Please click here to complete the survey