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At the time of writing this newsletter we learnt about the tragic death of 13 year old Carson Price at Ystrad Mynach Park in Caerphilly Borough.

This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts, and deepest sympathies, are with Carson’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Gwent Police are supporting the family, and are calling for any information that may help their investigations.

If you have information that can help, please call 101 quoting log 523 12/4/19 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, you can send a direct message with information via the Gwent Police Facebook or Twitter social media pages.

Blaenau Gwent children take fashion world by storm

I recently had the pleasure of visiting young people from the Brynfarm and Coed Cae estates in Blaenau Gwent who have taken the fashion world by storm with their latest project, ‘It’s Called Ffasiwn’. There were articles printed in established magazines and newspapers including Vogue.

Unfortunately, young people from some of the more financially disadvantaged areas in Gwent are often stereotyped and expectations for them can be low. This group have shown to people around the world that they can achieve outstanding results given some support and belief.

I am pleased that my office was able to make a small financial contribution to supporting this project, which you can read more about here.

Study shows fewer people are being injured in violent attacks

A recent study from Cardiff University shows that the number of people injured in serious violence in England and Wales fell by 1.7 per cent in 2018.

Researchers looked at the number of admissions to A&E departments by people that were injured in violent attacks.

The figures give a different picture to police data, which shows that incidents of violent crime increased in the same period.

I would like to reassure residents that the chances of being the victim of a violent attack in Gwent is extremely low. We also have one of the lowest levels of knife crime in the UK.

The Cardiff University research supports this and highlights how difficult it is to paint an accurate picture of violent crime in our communities.

An increase in the number of crimes recorded by the police does not necessarily mean that the level of crime has increased.

Factors such as changes to the way crimes are categorised, improvements in the accuracy of crime recording within police forces, and increased public awareness of certain crime types can all lead to an increase in the figures.

We will never be complacent and will continue to invest in priority areas to make Gwent safer but I hope that this independent research provides some reassurance to our residents.

Finn’s Law

I am delighted that Finn’s Law, which makes it an offence to harm working animals, has gained Royal Assent.

Our police animals face the same perils as our officers. They are valued members of the police family and their wellbeing should be paramount.

Removing the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’

I am pleased to be working with Julie Morgan AM, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, on the introduction of the Children (Abolition of the Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill.

The Bill will remove the defence of reasonable punishment so that it cannot be used by anyone accused of assault or battery against a child.

I have said before that I believe children in Wales should be given the same protection from physical punishment as adults and I am delighted to be leading on this work on behalf of the four Police and Crime Commissioners in Wales.

It is important that this new law does not inadvertently criminalise parents and I will make sure that there is a good educational phase before it is implemented.

However, it will not result in any changes for the majority of parents in Wales who believe that smacking is no longer appropriate.

Welsh Assembly Government Police Liaison Unit

I welcome the revamping of the Welsh Assembly Government Police Liaison Unit which is intended to support the strategic Policing Partnership Board for Wales.

These changes reflect the greater partnership working between policing and the devolved public services in Wales.

It will allow us to align our work more closely and ultimately provide a better service for our communities.

Stalking Awareness Week

Last week was Stalking Awareness Week. Recent research shows that about a third of all domestic abuse cases include an element of stalking or harassment.

In Gwent any victim of stalking and harassment is able to obtain support from a dedicated domestic abuse caseworker based in the Connect Gwent Victim’s Hub, which is funded by my office. This case worker is fully trained and experienced in supporting victims of stalking and harassment.

For information and advice contact 0300 123 21 33.

Bernie the sheep

My office recently joined the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service at Abercarn Primary School for a performance of the Bernie the Sheep pantomime.

The pantomime is a fantastic way to give important anti-grass fire messages to children in a way that is engaging and entertaining.

You can find out more about the project here

Safe Car Wash app

The Safe Car Wash app gathers intelligence on hand car washes across the UK to help tackle the growing problem of modern slavery.

Sadly, slavery is on the rise in Britain and people are forced to work long hours for little or no pay, often under the threat of violence.

You can find out more and download the app here

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Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent · Turnpike Road · Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 2XJ · United Kingdom