The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has praised Gwent’s local policing teams and the work they do to keep communities safe.

Neighbourhood teams are made up of chief inspectors, inspectors, sergeants, police constables, community support officers, police volunteers, and specialist teams, all working together to tackle the crimes most affecting Gwent residents.

The teams play a pivotal role within communities, working to solve local issues and prevent crime from taking place.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council’s first Neighbourhood Policing Week is national week of action and has been established to shine a spotlight on this work across the UK.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, is a lead for local policing for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. He said: "The nature of crime is evolving, and policing must evolve with it. Gwent’s neighbourhood teams are taking a proactive approach to crime in our communities, working with residents and businesses to tackle local issues and prevent crime from happening.

"They do a fantastic job keeping our communities safe and protecting our most vulnerable residents, and I am pleased to take this opportunity to celebrate the good work that they do."

Gwent Police’s neighbourhood approach is underpinned by three main aims:

Coming up with new ways of tackling crime. (Problem solving.)

Preventing crime from happening in the first place. (Early intervention.)

Building strong links with our communities. (Engagement.)

The local teams work with partner organisations and communities, talking openly about concerns and putting measures in place to prevent and reduce crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and make people feel safer.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Roberts said: "Our neighbourhood teams play an integral role in ensuring the safety of our communities; I’m extremely proud of the difference officers have made in Gwent.

"This week, we’re showcasing some of the work we do to prevent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour and the steps that we take to protect the most vulnerable.

"A big part of neighbourhood policing is getting out in the community and talking with local residents, businesses and partners. By building better links we can create local policing priorities that make a real difference and make people feel safer.

"Our communities play a vital part in informing our response to local crime. By providing intelligence, whether that be when reporting via our website, over social media or by calling 101, or when visiting one of our police surgeries or simply stopping and talking to us in the street, you’re helping us shape our response and bring those who blight our communities to justice.

"By continuing to work together, we can ensure that Gwent continues to be one of the safest places to live and work."

During the week Gwent Police will be showcasing the work of its neighbourhood teams on its social media channels. Search for @GwentPolice on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.