Police and Crime Commissioner visits Abertillery and Brynmawr

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has visited Abertillery and Brynmawr to speak to residents and businesses about the issues that matter to them.

Mr Cuthbert took the opportunity to promote Gwent Police’s new We Don’t Buy Crime initiative, which focuses on tackling acquisitive crime such as burglary and theft.

He also spoke to residents about off-road biking which was one of the key concerns raised.

Jeff Cuthbert said: “It was good to speak to residents businesses about the issues that matter to them, and reassure them of the work Gwent Police are doing to tackle burglary and theft with the newly formed We Don’t Buy Crime team.

“I was concerned but not surprised to hear that illegal off-roading continues to be a problem in the area. This has increased during the pandemic causing significant damage to the countryside, harming grazing animals, disrupting farming activity and putting walkers and other countryside users at risk.

“Regular operations are taking place in Blaenau Gwent, and other areas of Gwent where this is a problem, and will continue into the summer. Local officers have been working with Blaenau Gwent County Council to prevent vehicles access the mountains where possible.

“It is an incredibly hard crime to police, however, by working with our partners and neighbouring police forces we are taking action and sending a clear message that this activity will not be tolerated here in Gwent. If you do see off-road activity, or have information about off-road vehicles be ridden illegally, please report it.”

Residents who suspect someone is using an off-road bike illegally can report information anonymously to Gwent Police via 101 or via their Facebook or Twitter pages. In an emergency always call 999.

For more information on We Don’t Buy Crime visit the Gwent Police website.