A NEW neighbourhood watch system is to be launched in Newport next week.

The start date will mark Neighbourhood Watch week which runs from June 16 to 23.

Gwent Police devised the new set-up over the last 18 months to improve communication between Neighbourhood Watch groups and police.

PC Nick Haynes, who was involved in setting up the new system said: "Historically in Newport there was no structure to how we communicated with coordinators. Some had good support from the police and some never saw an officer.

"The coordinators were also complaining that when they did report an incident, there was a lack of feedback from us."

Now, Neighbourhood Watch coordinators will be encouraged to contact their local ward officer.

Every ward will have a police representative whose job it is to communicate with Neighbourhood Watch groups.

There will also be a representative in charge of feeding information back to the section inspector.

The new system means every group will have a specific officer to contact with issues.

Newport Neighbourhood Watch secretary John Cox said: "I think this new communication structure is a very good idea and it will encourage Neighbourhood Watch representatives to do a better job."

There are currently 97 Neighbourhood Watch Groups in Newport, covering 9,405 homes.

It is now hoped that more people will volunteer to set up Neighbourhood Watch groups across the city.

If you are interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group in Newport, call secretary John Cox on 01633 283360.

Schemes encouraged across Gwent Residents in Monmouthshire and Torfaen are also being encouraged to start up Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.

Neighbourhood police officers in Monmouth will be holding a number of meetings at the following locations to promote the scheme:

  • Monmouth Cattle Market Car Park, Monday June 16, between10am and 4pm
  • Browns Stores Car Park, Llandogo, Wednesday June 18, from 10am to 12pm
  • Raglan Infant School, Wednesday June 18, 1pm to 2pm
  • Cross Ash School, Wednesday June 18, 3pm to 4pm
  • Agincourt Square, Thursday June 19, from 10am to 4pm
  • Maryport Street (North) Car Park, Usk, Friday June 20,10am to 12pm
  • Kymin View School , Friday June 20, 2pm to 3pm
  • For more information about an existing scheme or starting a new one contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01633 838111.