**Police Seek Information After Masked Gang Commits Van Robbery in Newport**
Police in Newport have launched a major appeal for information following a shocking robbery by four masked men in the city’s Spytty area. The incident took place on Monday, 2 June, when a van parked near Caswell Way, at the Reevesland Industrial Estate, was targeted in broad daylight.
Witnesses report that the perpetrators arrived at the industrial estate in a blue Audi S3, all dressed head-to-toe in black clothing and donning masks to conceal their identities. According to Gwent Police, the group swiftly broke into the van before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Shortly after the robbery, the blue Audi S3, bearing the registration MH16 00A, was discovered abandoned in the nearby Lysaght Village. Detectives believe that tracing the movements of this vehicle may be crucial to identifying those responsible and are calling on the community to help fill in the gaps surrounding the men’s activities before and after the incident.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen the distinctive Audi S3 between the Reevesland Industrial Estate and Lysaght Village on the day of the robbery to come forward. In addition to direct witnesses, police are appealing to area businesses, residents, and drivers to review their CCTV or dashcam footage, as even the smallest detail could provide a vital lead.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police emphasised the importance of the public’s assistance, stating, “We are particularly interested in any footage or sightings of this car or the four men in black clothing and wearing face coverings. Any piece of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be crucial in moving our investigation forward.”
The authorities have provided several ways for the public to share information. Footage can be submitted directly via the Major Incident Public Portal. Alternatively, individuals can reach out by calling 101 or sending a message via the police’s official social media channels, referencing the log number 2500173933. The force also reminded the public that they can report incidents anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Residents in the wider Newport area have been urged to remain vigilant in light of this unsettling event. Police have reassured locals that patrols in and around the affected areas have been increased as a precaution, and the investigation continues at pace.
While incidents of this nature are still relatively rare in Newport, this brazen robbery has heightened concerns about public safety and the potential presence of organised criminal activity in the area. Community leaders and police have advised residents and business owners to be extra cautious and to report any suspicious activity, particularly around commercial vehicles and industrial estates.
As the inquiry intensifies, police have reaffirmed their commitment to bringing those involved to justice. Meanwhile, they are encouraging members of the public to make use of available support channels if they have been affected by this incident or are worried about increased criminal activity in their locality.
This developing situation serves as a reminder of the crucial role community vigilance plays in modern policing, with authorities reiterating that swift reporting can often make the difference in solving cases of this nature. Any further updates on this case will be shared as they emerge.