Police And Pawnbrokers Meet to Crackdown on Criminals

16/02/2015

Police Officers from Newport met with local pawnbrokers in the City to discuss how they can work positively together to crack down on criminals who try to defraud the industry and who are a menace to communities.

The meeting between Gwent Police and local members of the National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) in Newport was organised and facilitated by the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Paul Harris, and James Watkins from the NPA. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure stolen goods cannot be used as assets to gain loans.

As well as providing loans, all pawnbrokers have a significant retail presence as part of their commercial operations. Therefore, there are a range of business crime types which also concern their members. These were all discussed in detail at the meeting today.

Highlighting the positive outcomes from the meeting, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Paul Harris, said:

“It was a good chance for the police and the industry to get together and get a better understanding of working practices on both sides. This was a really positive and productive meeting and was very informative for all involved. Communication between members of the public, retailers and the police is vital.”

The Chief Executive of the National Pawnbrokers Association, Ray Perry, said:

“Our meeting at the Queens Hotel in Newport was an important milestone in developing the close cooperation between Gwent NPA members and the Police. We want to crack down on criminals who try to defraud our industry and who are a menace to our communities.”

Oswyn Hughes
Rheolwr Cyfathrebu/ Communications Manager
Swyddfa Comisynydd yr Heddlu a Throsedd Gwent / Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent
Ffôn / Tel: 01633 645 734
Mewnol / Internal: 710 3467
Symudol / Mobile: 07896 942 177