Gwent Police

Gwent Police covers five local policing areas; Newport, Torfaen, Monmoutshire, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent.  The majority of our police officers and staff work in our neighbourhood response teams. They are stationed in every major town in the five unitary authority areas we serve.

The Officers who work on response teams attend the most urgent calls for police service throughout Gwent, and work on shifts, 24/7.

In addition we have 21 neighbourhood policing teams.  Neighbourhood police officers will more often deal with issues like complaints about anti-social behaviour. As well as this, we have nearly 300 community support officers who form part of the neighbourhood policing teams working with partners to address community issues.

See left - Amanda Yung with local pensioners at 'An Imposter Calls' play

The Senior Citizen Liaison Team (SCLT)

The Senior Citizen Liaison Team (SCLT) is a team of officers who are all based in Monmouthshire Local Policing Unit.

The officers are part of the Abergavenny Neighbourhood Policing Team and created the SCLT with the aim of reducing the fear of crime within the older adult community by promoting crime prevention and knowledge about doorstep crime.

How do they try to achieve this?

• Officers aim to visit local groups and neighbourhood clubs where older adults meet, and offer advice on local crime trends.
• They give presentations on topics such as rogue traders and distraction thefts.
• They also visit older victims of crime and senior citizens living alone in the community.
• A newsletter the “Senior Siren” is published and offers advice and provide contact details for members of the Seniors Liaison Team and other organisations that can help and support older citizens.

Some advice for residents when dealing with doorstep callers;

• Never give any personal details such as telephone numbers or bank details to callers at your door, or to people who telephone unexpectedly.
• Always ask for proof of identity. Legitimate organisations will always display their identification and will have no problem with you asking to see it.
• Phone the company or organisation the caller claims to be from to confirm their identity. Use the number from the phone book rather than the number they give you.
• If in doubt, keep them out. It sounds simple, but if you don't let someone in - they will go away. Don't let them pressure you into opening the door.
• Call a neighbour or the police.
• Contact a local relative or nominated neighbour who can help verify a cold caller.
• If you think someone is a rogue trader call us on 101.
• To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area - call 999.

Come along and meet the team at the the 55+ and Retirement Roadshow on September 8th at The Shire Hall for more advice on how to protect yourself and your valuables!