POLICE in Chepstow are planning to crack down on opportunist thieves carrying out 'seasonal crime'.

Chepstow CADRO officer Tony O'Connor has spoken to the Free Press, explaining what seasonal crime is and how the police plan to tackle it. He said:

"Seasonal crime is triggered from lighter nights as we get closer to summertime and consists of such things as thefts from gardens.

"People tend to feel that dark winter nights offer the best opportunities for crime, but the summer brings a completely different set of chances for thieve.

"Much of what we do in the summer creates an open invitation for crime. Warmer temperatures encourage people to leave their windows ajar and their doors and sheds unlocked as they spend more time outside."

Seasonal crime is not an official phrase used by the police, but it is one that has developed from years of experience. It came from analysing crime patterns that emerge over a year, a police soon noticed that certain crimes peaked at a particular time of year, such as shoplifting at Christmas time. Officer O'Connor said:

"What we try to do is anticipate when this peak in a certain type of crime will occur, so that we can reduce the effect it has on the community."

Despite the likelihood of seasonal crime increasing in the coming months, officer O'Connor believes a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the possibility of falling victim to it. He said: "I would urge the public to make sure they are extra careful to lock their garden sheds and be careful if you leave your window open because of the hot weather.

"It is also a good idea to mark all your property, so if it is stolen there is more chance of you getting it back. We have given Chepstow Neighbourhood Watch 40 shed alarms to issue to whoever they see fit. We still have a limited amount of alarms and if anybody in the area feels they need one to help them in their shed security, come into Chepstow police stat