Newport businesses unsafe amid city centre crime wave

Xclusive Jewellers, a family-run shop on High Street in Newport, was raided by five masked individuals around 4.30am on Monday, June 1, in what business owners say is part of a growing problem affecting the entire city centre.

The offenders used a barbecue fork and a plank of wood to smash the shop window and make off with gold items.

(Image: Maggie John)

Annette Farmer, owner of Xclusive Jewellers, said: "There were five of them here, pulling [the shutter] back, grabbing what they can, they all had balaclavas on and they left blood on the window sill."

She believes the stolen gold has already been sold on and said the incident is the latest in a series of break-ins that has left business owners feeling unsafe.

(Image: Maggie John)

Ms Farmer said: "How long until the next one? How long do we keep putting up with it?

"We were promised extra police, we haven't got any.

"There is no system to keep people safe.

"All the public and businesses have is each other – we're fending for ourselves."

The raid is one of several commercial burglaries reported in Newport city centre since mid-April, with Barcode on Rodney Road, The Neon on Clarence Place, Sports Direct on Commercial Street, and Raven House Trust on Cromwell Road also targeted.

A member of the public told the South Wales Argus they believe around 10 businesses have been hit in total over the past two months.

Other recent victims include Raven House Trust, a charity supporting people in food poverty and housing crisis, which was ransacked overnight on May 11.

(Image: NQ)

Manager Anne Bailey described how staff were "devastated" to find the office "totally trashed," with laptops, cash, and power tools stolen.

Despite the rising tide of crime, many in Newport have shown solidarity with the affected businesses.

(Image: Supplied)

During Ms Farmer’s interview with the South Wales Argus, two bunches of flowers were delivered to the shop by members of the public.

She also singled out Andrew Mount-Earley, who runs The Lamb pub, for special thanks, describing him as a "hero."

But Ms Farmer said the support does little to calm her wider fears for the future.

She said: "Everything is hanging in the balance.

"Businesses are selling up and leaving the city."

Businesses fear “scumbag” burglars after bars hit in spate of break-ins (Image: Barcode)

Also targeted in the recent series of break-ins was Barcode on Rodney Road and The Neon on Clarence Place, which were both targeted on April 19.

A significant amount of alcohol and stock was stolen from Barcode, and the bar was forced to cancel a a number of bookings, while stock and equipment was stolen from The Neon. 

A lone suspect also broke into Sports Direct on Commercial Street on April 28, stealing cash.

As concerns around safety in the city centre grow, the South Wales Argus asked Newport City Council what steps are being taken to reassure traders and residents.

(Image: Google Street View)

A spokesperson said: "Criminal matters are dealt with by Gwent Police, and we would urge anyone who has witnessed or has information about a crime being committed to contact them.

"We work with the police and others as part of the Safer City Centre Group, which has an action plan for improving safety within the city centre.

 "Priorities include safeguarding campaigns, the city centre ambassador service, Pub Watch forums, Purple Flag accreditation, enforcement of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and public space protection orders (PSPOs) and reviewing intelligence and communication systems.

"We also run targeted enforcement against alcohol-related crime, and ongoing compliance checks for venues.

"Additional considerations involve tackling illegal parking and road use as well as evaluating events and public perceptions regarding safety.

 "Such issues are not unique to Newport, but the partners are committed to making the city centre a safe place for people to visit.

 "We’re also working to shape a city centre which meets the needs of residents and visitors, both now and in the future.

 "The ideas in our city centre placemaking plan were shaped by residents, businesses and other interested parties.

"Some of the short-term objectives are already being achieved and the council is working with partners to help realise medium and long-term ambitions".

Have you or your business been affected by the increase of break-ins in the city centre? Get in touch with the South Wales Argus: https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/my/ccn/assignment/ai5PzT8y/