A THREE-day Police operation targeting known criminals netted over 60 arrests in Cwmbran.

The new neighbourhood police team was heralded by Cwmbran Inspector Jim Baker for their achievements in Operation Arrowhead. Just two months after it was set up the team used the community links it has formed to arrest 63 known criminals.

Officers used information given to them by members of the public to target regular offenders accused of offences from assault to burglary and criminal damage.

Intelligence gathered from the public was combined with forensic evidence and court warrants to identify offenders throughout the course of this operation.

Operation Arrowhead also netted a further 49 offenders throughout B Division area.

Inspector Jim Baker said: "It is a measure of the success of the neighbourhood team that in the short time it has been up and running we have been able to achieve these results. It all stems from the good relations we have built up with the community."

The Operation, which was supported by funds from the Welsh Assembly Government, involved a large number of sectional resources including Neighbourhood Policing Teams and wider resources including the Force Support Group and the Roads Policing Unit.

Chief Inspector Bill Fitzpatrick, Uniform Operations, for B Division said: "This operation has been a success in getting these known offenders off the streets and into the criminal justice system. Throughout the Division, we will continue to target known offenders and when needed, carry out similar specialised operations in the future. These arrests demonstrate that we will not tolerate criminal behaviour of any kind and residents of Monmouthshire and Torfaen."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Or to speak to the Cwmbran neighbourhood team 01633 642088.