Working together to enhance town centres

Safer Caerphilly After Dark' brings together a number of different organisations including local taxi companies, takeaways, late night restaurants, pubs, door supervisors and street pastors, as well as Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council, with the aim of helping to make sure that by offering a coordinated approach, visitors to these town centres are able to have a safe and enjoyable night out.

The primary aims of 'Safer Caerphilly After Dark' are to further reduce instances of violent and anti-social behaviour in the town centres, as well as to encourage responsible drinking and improve safety awareness.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, Ian Johnston, said: "It's great to see so many groups and organisations working effectively together to promote community safety so that everyone can enjoy the festive period. We want less victims of crime in our communities and initiatives such as this one complement some of the priorities outlined in my Police and Crime plan which is to ensure that the people of Gwent are less affected by anti-social behaviour and are protected from serious harm.

My message is simple - enjoy the festive period but make sure you keep safe this Christmas."

Cllr David Poole, Caerphilly County Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services said, "This new scheme aims to ensure that from the beginning of the night until the very end, every member of staff or volunteer that members of the public are likely to come into contact with are all dedicated to helping ensure the experience for the customer is as enjoyable and as safe as it can possibly be".

Caerphilly Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Gareth Jones explains: "The After Dark campaign aims to reassure members of the public visiting our town centres that we are working around the clock to ensure that they can enjoy themselves in a safe environment.

By working closely with Caerphilly County Borough Council and the licensed trade, we are able to co-ordinate our services to help everyone enjoy their evening. The vast majority of people act responsibly, but we will target those who go out to disrupt and spoil people's evenings".

He continued, "With the festivities underway, I want to remind those visiting our towns to act responsibly. We want everyone to have a safe and pleasant Christmas. Please remember, irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated and if you are caught breaking the law, you will be arrested and dealt with." One of the key aspects of the campaign is an 'After Dark' vehicle, which acts as a central 'hub' for organisations and partners who are out and about in town centres during the evenings.

Highly visible, the vehicle will be utilised by officers from Gwent Police, Community Safety Wardens and the towns' Street Pastors to provide a place to go to for those who need assistance.

A striking poster campaign offering simple crime prevention, safety and responsible drinking advice has also been launched in night time establishments across both town centres.

For further information on Safer Caerphilly After Dark, and for general advice and useful tips on crime prevention, please visit https://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/saferccb