Here's the latest Argus column by Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert:

THESE are unprecedented times and I can’t remember a situation that comes close to the need for caution, tolerance and awareness that we face now.

At the time of writing, Gwent Police have reported a significant drop in the number of domestic abuse and sexual violence crimes that are being reported.

These are already significantly under-reported crimes in our communities and we know that they are continuing to happen. The national lockdown means that, sadly, there could be more incidents in the home and we want people experiencing such abuse to seek help.

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I welcome Chief Constable Pam Kelly’s firm commitment that Gwent Police will continue to work hard to tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We know that abuse can have life-changing consequences for the people who experience it and their loved ones. By working together, we can provide you with the help and specialist support you need to end the abuse and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

For help, advice and support contact Live Fear Free on 0808 80 10 800.

In an emergency always call 999.

My office was recently contacted by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association to see how we can help tackle issues with staff receiving verbal abuse and threats from their customers.

I must say that I was saddened to receive this call.

While I appreciate that people are anxious and worried about getting their medication, the stories I have heard from the pharmacy community in Gwent are unacceptable.

Right now community pharmacists are part of the front-line defence against Covid-19. They are an essential part of the health service, giving help and advice, while also trying to do their day job and provide medicines and services to residents.

I have fed my concerns back to the Chief Constable Pam Kelly and asked that neighbourhood policing teams make visits to local pharmacies as part of their patrols.

We are all in this together and the situation is unlikely to change for many weeks. Please show tolerance, patience and understanding when visiting your local pharmacy.

Gwent Police, like many emergency services during this international crisis, has seen a change in demand for its services.

Many people are dialling 999 to report issues and ask questions that aren’t emergencies, or even a policing issue. Gwent Police need to ensure that they are able to respond to members of the community that need them urgently.

So please only dial 999 when:

  • There is danger to life or property.
  • You are reporting a crime that is in progress.
  • A suspect is nearby.

Use 101 if you need advice on a policing matter.

Finally, to end on a lighter note, I have been heartened by the amount of residents volunteering to come forward and help those less able in their communities. It is only by working together that we will get through this crisis.

If you are interested in volunteering in your community, visit the Volunteering Wales website.