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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. Police have recently received a number of reports relating to youths kicking or striking residents' front doors with force within the local area.
Whilst those involved may view this behaviour as a prank or harmless fun, it can cause significant distress and alarm to residents. In particular, elderly and vulnerable members of our community may be adversely affected by the sudden loud noise and fear caused by these incidents, which can have serious implications for their health and wellbeing.
We would therefore ask parents, carers and guardians to speak with their children about the impact that this behaviour can have on others and to encourage them to act responsibly within their community.
Residents should also be aware that this type of behaviour may constitute a criminal offence. Depending on the circumstances, it could amount to Criminal Damage, Anti-Social Behaviour, or Public Order offences. Even where no physical damage is ultimately caused, deliberately kicking a door can be regarded as reckless behaviour with the potential to cause damage, distress, or fear, and may result in a police investigation and formal action being taken.
Officers are currently reviewing available CCTV and other evidential opportunities to identify those responsible. Where individuals are identified, information may be shared with partner agencies, including the local authority, and appropriate action may be taken. This could include the issuing of Anti-Social Behaviour warning letters, referrals to youth intervention services, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, or other enforcement measures where necessary.
Crime Prevention and Safety Advice For residents: Ensure any CCTV, video doorbells, or home security systems are operational and recording correctly. Report any incidents to police promptly, providing the time, date, location, and any available footage or descriptions. Consider improving external lighting around your property to deter anti-social behaviour. Avoid confronting groups of youths directly. If you feel threatened or believe a crime is in progress, contact police immediately.
For parents and guardians: Speak openly with children about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and the impact it has on victims. Make children aware that actions perceived as a joke can have serious consequences, including police involvement and criminal records in some circumstances. Encourage positive activities and respectful behaviour within the community.
We thank members of the public for their continued support and ask anyone with information relating to these incidents to report it to police through the appropriate reporting channels.
 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 |