Commissioner praises new scheme to tackle retail crime in Blaenau Gwent

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd has praised a new partnership initiative between Gwent Police and Blaenau Gwent County Council to tackle retail crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Store Net initiative gives shop staff radios which they can use to contact Gwent Police and the council’s community safety wardens. It allows staff to request support instantly in the event of a crime or antisocial behaviour incident. So far Aldi, Boots and Iceland and the market in Ebbw Vale, and Farmfoods and McDonalds in Brynmawr have signed up to the scheme.

Violent and abusive incidents against shop workers rose by 50 per cent in 22-23, while shop lifting offences have risen to their highest levels in 20 years.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “I am really pleased to see the police, council and local businesses working together to tackle retail crime and antisocial behaviour in Blaenau Gwent.

“The growing violence and abuse we have seen towards shop staff in recent years is deeply upsetting and can leave people too traumatised to go to work and earn a living.

“I would encourage as many businesses in the area as possible to sign up and help make a difference to our communities.”

The work is part of the new antisocial behaviour taskforce for Blaenau Gwent, which is led by the council and works with partners in Gwent Police, the youth service and Tai Calon Community Housing to listen to and address the concerns of communities.

Businesses in Blaenau Gwent can sign up to Store Net by contacting sarah.ridings@mrscomms.co.uk / 02920 810810