Arnis Nassa (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A repeat offender who targeted businesses in Newport city centre while already on court bail will spend more than four years behind bars after being sentenced twice in the space of four days.
Arnis Nassa, 46, who has no fixed address, was given 64 weeks in prison at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Friday 11 September. That term will only begin once he has served a separate three-year sentence handed down at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday 8 September.
What he did
The magistrates’ court case centred on Friars Walk, where Nassa broke into two commercial premises and tried to get into a third with the intention of stealing, on Friday 24 July. He was convicted of two burglaries and one attempted burglary.
He also admitted several counts of fraud by false representation, theft from a motor vehicle and vehicle interference. All of these offences took place while he was on bail.
The Crown Court sentence related to earlier burglary, theft and fraud offences dating back to May, to which Nassa pleaded guilty.
Operation Krypton
Nassa was arrested by Gwent Police’s Community Action Team as part of Operation Krypton, a crackdown on repeat offenders in the city centre.
Inspector Martyn Pugh, from the neighbourhood policing team in Newport, said:
“It’s disappointing that this defendant committed his latest offences while on court bail.
“Nassa was arrested by officers from our Community Action Team and we know this outcome will be welcomed by businesses and retailers in the city centre and other residents of Newport impacted by his prolific offending.
“We’ve targeted repeat offenders, like Nassa, during Operation Krypton and made more than 241 arrests.
“Nassa is the fourth criminal sentenced to imprisonment during Krypton, while we’ve detected 18 reported commercial burglaries in the city since July.
“This proactive approach we’ve taken is part of our day-to-day activity in the city centre and our neighbourhood teams will continue to remain visible, accessible and focused on the issues that matter most to local people.”
Reporting concerns
Gwent Police is asking people in Newport to join Neighbourhood Matters, its free community messaging service, so local priorities can shape future policing.
Anything suspicious in the city can be reported on 101, through the force’s Facebook or X accounts, or online. Crimestoppers takes anonymous reports on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 if a crime is happening or someone needs urgent police help.
