Police trio aim to cut crime (From Free Press Series)

Police trio aim to cut crime

ABERGAVENNY has more bobbies on the beat as three Police community support officers (PCSO's) have been assigned to the town and surrounding areas.

Based at Abergavenny Police Station, the faces of PCSO's Tony Gait, Huw Thomas and Ken Lewis, should soon become a familiar sight as they regularly patrol the town on foot.

The aim of CPSO's, who undergo five weeks training prior to taking up their posts, is to have a visible presence on the streets and to deal with low-level disorder such as anti-social behaviour.

CPSO's have the power to make arrests under common law, as well as enforcing detention powers and can call for back up when necessary.

This means that it gives police officers more time as well as offering them support when needed.

The new recruits, who joined the station at the end of last year will now be seen in several areas and disorder hotspots including Usk, Goytre, Govilon, Abergavenny and Llanfoist.

PCSO Huw Thomas told Free Press: "We would encourage people to come and talk to us. So far we have been well received and hope it continues."

He added: "We have had a positive response and one lady has commented on how nice it was to speak to a face instead of a voice on the telephone."