POLICE are appealing for residents to contact them in an effort to tackle prostitution in an area of Newport.

It follows articles by the Argus over mounting concerns in Pill, where some residents say they are being kept from sleep in Courtybella Gardens due to the issue, and a dad can’t let his two-year-old son play in the garden of their Wilson Street home because of the problem.

Gwent Police say they are working with a variety of partner agencies, including Newport Women’s Aid, Newport City Council and the Social Justice Charity for South East Wales, to bring anyone committing criminal offences to justice and provide support to vulnerable and often exploited victims.

Inspector Jason Williams said: “We take any reports of sex workers operating in our community very seriously, and will act on any intelligence we gather quickly and robustly. We continue to target anyone coming to Pill to exploit sex workers.
Pill residents with concerns can email Roland.Giles@gwent.pnn.police.uk

"The issues behind these incidents are complex and require partner agencies to work together closely. Members of the public can also help us by reporting any concerns about, or incidents involving, alleged sex workers to us as soon as possible on 101 or 999 in an emergency. These reports will allow us to act quicker."

Pill residents are also invited to pass any concerns they may have about this issue to Sgt Roland Giles, who is part of Gwent's Police's Pill Neighbourhood Policing Team. Email Roland.Giles@gwent.pnn.police.uk.