A city bus station has become a focus of concern for crime, antisocial behaviour, and drug use.

Newport Bus Station, described as one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, serves thousands of passengers daily, including commuters, shoppers, and vulnerable individuals.

Newport Bus Station, which has a reputation for crime and aggressive begging. (Image: NQ)

While many pass through without incident, growing concerns about public disorder and substance misuse have led some to question how safe the area truly is.

Irman Abbas, who runs Premier Express opposite the station, said he witnesses aggressive begging and shoplifting regularly, particularly in the early morning and late evening.

Mr Abbas said: “It’s not safe.

“After 5am or 6am, it’s all homeless people and shoplifters come around the bus stop, sitting here drinking and shouting.

“We open at 6am, but sometimes when I come in before then, there are already dodgy people here.”

Newport Bus Station, which has a reputation for crime and aggressive begging. (Image: NQ)

He added: “They’re shouting and begging, forcing people. You know, normal people going to work, or people coming back. They’re forcing people that early in the morning. Mostly they’re begging. Yeah, mostly they’re drunk.

“They come here asking for alcohol, but we can’t sell it before 8am.”

Premier Express, opposite Newport Bus Station, is often targeted by aggressive begging and shoplifting on a daily basis. (Image: NQ)

He said shoplifting is a daily occurrence.

Mr Abbas said: “Every day we catch shoplifters. Before yesterday, one guy came in asking for credit. A different guy was working and said, ‘No, I can’t.’ He couldn’t give him any because he was working.

“So the guy went outside, threw an ice cream at the window, started shouting, and said, ‘I’ll kill you.'”

Read more

Major crackdown on ‘intimidating’ Newport bus station gangs known as ‘zombies’ Plans to tackle city centre anti-social behaviour put in place – but will it work? Fights and fear – what readers are saying about Newport nights out

Others visiting the bus station reported more other experiences.

Mary White, 72, and Darren Poor, 48, were waiting for a bus to Risca when they shared their views on safety at Newport Bus Station. (Image: NQ)

Mary White, 72, and Darren Poor, 48, were waiting for a bus to Risca and shared their views on safety at the station.

Mr Poor said: “A lot of people have said to me you do see people using around you, and that makes some people feel a bit unsafe.

“But I don’t really see none of that down here.

“People come out of the hotels and they get on the buses, but I don’t see all this crime everyone talks about.

“I think everyone’s got different opinions about it really. For me, I’m always safe.

“I’m a big guy, so it’s different. It’s different for a woman, and for a child as well.

“I can handle it, but other people are going to feel differently.”

Ms White recounted a frightening incident.

She said: “It’s different for women and children. One time, a man I’d say was in his 40s threatened me with a knife as I was walking around the corner to get on the bus.

“My husband shouted, ‘What the hell are you doing?’ and the man ran off.

“It really shook me and showed why some people don’t feel safe around here.”

Jene Mills, 82, thinks that Newport Bus Station is worse at night. (Image: NQ)

Other residents said the area has improved compared to previous years.

Jene Mills, 82, said: “Sometime ago there were gangs here, but they have been moved on. That was very intimidating.

“I do think it has improved, but I don’t come out at night, so I can’t answer at night.”

Newport City Council said it works closely with partners across Gwent to address issues of substance misuse and antisocial behaviour.

A spokesman for the council said: “Substance use support is commissioned on a Gwent-wide level.

“The council works with a number of partners across the Gwent region to provide support services to people experiencing drug and alcohol issues.”

“Services include the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS), which provides free, confidential support and advice for adults.

“The Gwent N-gage service provides free, confidential support and information around drugs and alcohol to any young person under the age of 18. They also support 18–21-year-olds requiring support with a transition to adult drug and alcohol services.”

The spokesman continued: “Through the Welsh government’s housing support grant, the council commissions specific outreach substance use support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as well as supported housing and hostel schemes.

“We will continue to work with all of our partners to support those experiencing addiction.