NEWPORT Now is working with Gwent Police to help boost city centre safety and security.

Newport Now manager Adrian Evans said: “Reduction of crime and anti social behaviour is a key priority for Newport Now members so we pleased to be working with Gwent Police in this way.

Adrian said: “The Newport Now Safe & Secure theme group is now working proactively with Gwent Police to create a safe environment for visitors and to support members to help themselves by reducing shoplifting and reducing anti-social behaviour on the high street.

“Gwent Police recently announced that they are targeting problem areas within the city centre and businesses are now on board by being part of Newport Against Business Crime, where they can access key information and receive training and support on how to protect their businesses.

“We also have the Newport Now ambassador scheme up and running and the ambassadors are working closely with businesses and police.” Newport Now members are also automatically enrolled into the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).

Newport Business Against Crime co-rdinator Bob Bevan said: “The Newport partnership acts as a catalyst and focus for businesses and retailers in the city to work together to pool information and knowledge to, for example, identify individuals and known offenders when disorder, theft or a crime is committed.

“Traders benefit from the concerted effort to act against anti social behaviour through the sharing of information and photographic evidence which is and will prove beneficial to everyone within the city centre and Newport Now area.”

The work of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership is recognised by police, community safety and community safety partnerships as providing a valuable source of information and demonstrating practical steps to identify offenders and anti-social elements and to work together to manage their behaviour more effectively.

For more information and to take advantage of the scheme Newport Now members need to register by emailing their details to newportbac@hotmail.co.uk or call Bob Bevan on 07805 711917.