Police operation hailed a success (From Free Press Series)

Police operation hailed a success

A POLICE operation has been hailed a 'major success' in combating violence, vehicle crimes and burglaries throughout Torfaen.

Car crime was reduced by 54 percent and house burglary by 47 percent in operation Arrowhead. The operation led to the arrest of 40 people and took place in the first two weeks of December.

Chief Superintendent Paul Symes, the new divisional commander for B Division said: "I am delighted with the success of the operation.

"As a division we will continue to target known offenders and when needed we will run specialist operations in the future."

Operation Arrowhead was funded by the Welsh Assembly, covered both Torfaen and Monmouthshire and tapped into a number of police resources from across the division.

The operation was funded by the Welsh Assembly and cut crime levels using a combination of hi-tech methods and investigations.

Throughout the operation police focused on forensic techniques, court issued warrants and other means of identifying offenders.

Among those arrested some were suspected of aggravated house burglary, vehicle crime and assault. Detective Chief Inspector of Pontypool Police Harry Gamlin said: "I am sure the public of Torfaen and Monmouthshire will be reassured by police activity over the last weeks.

"It is pleasing that Gwent police are able to work as effectively with its partners in order to maximise the benefits of our developing forensic techniques.

"Despite our successes I would ask the public to continue to remain vigilant and ensure that valuables are not left on display in motor cars or left insecure in houses over the holiday period."

Torfaen's Chief Executive Alison Ward said: "I am sure that people in Torfaen will feel much safer as a result of these arrests and we can expect to see a reduction in criminal activity."