Forestry Commission Wales and Gwent Police are working together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the woodlands of Monmouthshire.
Two Community Support Officers (CSOs) will spend part of their time tackling issues in local woodlands, as part of a new agreement.
Community Support Officers (CSOs) Philip Barclay and Stephen Cowles will patrol the Wye Valley woodlands from Monmouth down to Chepstow and on to Wentwood, working closely with the Forestry Commission Wales Local Area Manager, Richard Gable.
The two officers, from the Monmouth and Usk Neighbourhood Policing Teams, are jointly funded by Gwent Police and Forestry Commission Wales. They will also have the use of a Forestry Commission Wales van to help them cover the area.
They will provide reassurance in the area and gather intelligence on any anti-social or criminal activity.
The immediate priorities for the officers will include protecting the environment against fly-tipping, criminal damage and off-road biking and helping to prevent visitors from becoming victims of vehicle crime.
Local forestry staff spend as much as 20% of their time dealing with the consequences of illegal acts. The CSOs will be working to prevent and deal with any incidents to enable Forestry Commission Wales to concentrate on looking after the woodlands.
Richard Gable said, “The Wye Valley woodlands are very popular but there has been an increase in anti-social use which spoils the enjoyment of those who visit the area on a daily basis for the beautiful scenery.
“Forestry Commission Wales already has a good working relationship with Gwent Police and the appointment of the CSOs should reassure the public of our determination not to tolerate any selfish or illegal behaviour.”
CSO Philip Barclay will focus on the northern end of the Wye Valley from Monmouth down, with CSO Stephen Cowles concentrating on Wentwood.
Inspector Michael Boycott of Gwent Police said, “Our CSOs will be a valuable resource to the woodland area and surrounding wards and we hope that, by working together, we will not only reduce anti-social behaviour but also make the environment an even more pleasurable place for people to live in and visit.”
The arrangement will run for three years, during which time the officers will also spend some of their time on other police duties.
If you are aware of any illegal activity in the woodlands of the Wye Valley, contact CSO Philip Barclay on 07800 886012 or CSO Steve Cowles on 07792 420931.
