A POLICE crackdown on unlicensed door staff resulted in 26 people being cautioned.

The crackdown took place earlier this month on a Saturday night in Newport city centre.

Sixteen officers from Gwent Police worked overtime to check on 76 clubs and pubs.

Crime and disorder reduction officer PC Deb White was involved in the operation, along with the Security Industry Authority and the council's licensing department.

Six teams headed by Sergeant Colin Thomas completed the operation, and 26 unlicensed door staff were cautioned and reported.

PC White said: "It was a very successful operation. It could be dangerous if people are working in that sort of job with no official badge and licence."

The operation was part of the Safer City campaign in Newport.

The campaign aims to check conditions and licences on taxis, clubs and door staff.

This month's check on door staff was a first for the force, but has been deemed so successful that it will be continued in the future.

PC White added: "It is a double- edged sword, really. We are pleased that we have stopped illegal unlicensed door staff but it is a shame that there was such a large amount."

A spokesman for the Security Industry Authority told the Argus the Newport campaign was part of a wider move to ensure public safety.

She said: "We do all we can to support individual police forces in these crackdowns.

"The number cautioned in Newport this month is a positive sign. It shows that we are weeding these unlicensed people out."