We are pleased to report that that during 2010-11, crime and anti-social behaviour fell substantially in Gwent. Last year there was a 10% drop in crime, which meant 4,559 fewer victims, and a 15% drop in anti-social behaviour which equates to 9,213 fewer incidents.

These figures place the Force as the 4th best out of the 43 Forces in Wales and England for crime reduction during this period.
This has been achieved with 200 fewer staff, and at a time when we had to make savings of £11.4 million to address a reduced budget.
    
We know that our budget will be cut, and that we are required to save a further £24.1 million in the next four years. This will present us with challenges but also opportunities to redesign the way in which we deliver our service to the public of Gwent.   The Police Authority has been working with the Chief Constable and her senior leaders to plan for this shortfall by the creation of a robust change programme called ‘Staying Ahead’. This will further re-shape the organisation to meet the targets set over the next four years and achieve the 20% reduction in budget.   

Despite the budget pressures, Gwent Police and Gwent Police Authority are committed to providing a local, accessible and responsive policing service which protects you from serious harm and tackles the crime and disorder issues which matter most.  By changing the way we work, the Force is now better designed to protect and reassure the people of Gwent and is more flexible in finding ways to further drive down crime and reduce anti-social behaviour.

In October 2010, Gwent hosted the Ryder Cup which is the third largest sporting event in the world.  The event was a great success and has portrayed Wales and Gwent in a favourable light to a world audience.    The policing of this event was one of the biggest challenges this Force has ever met and we are enormously proud of the success of the operation.

On a sadder note, March 2011 saw one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit Japan since records began. Gwent Police led the UK policing response, supporting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the identification, recovery and repatriation of UK Nationals to much acclaim.

This Annual Report demonstrates the considerable amount of work that the Police Authority and Force undertakes to improve the service provided to the residents of Gwent. We will continue to work hard to ensure an efficient and cost effective service is in place which protects and reassures our communities.