A POLICE inspector has cited a rise in crime levels in the Torfaen area as part of his monthly online blog.

As part of a statement published on December 2, David Morgan, of Gwent Police, described the the last six months of policing as “quite challenging in Torfaen”.

He said: “Our crime levels have been higher than our projected average with crimes increasing in the categories of acquisitive crime.

“Over that six-month period, we arrested several people and I have outlined some of the work undertaken in previous blogs.

“As a result of concentrating on a number of key individuals, I can now report some of the restrictions in place that they have to adhere to.”

He added: “These restrictions and concentrating our officers in areas where we know they have been operating has seen our crime levels reduce.”

The inspector listed a variety of individuals the police had targeted in the Torfaen area, including a criminal behaviour order issued to a 12-year-old lasting until November 7, 2018, shoplifters (aged 16 and 17) being sentenced to detention and an 18-year-old being charged and remanded in custody in connection with a burglary in the Pontypool area.

The officer also cited a rise in crime in Blaenavon in November, which included reports of commercial burglaries / attempted burglaries and three local churches being targeted. Incidents also included reports of a tyre-slashing spree on November 30, which affected cars on Gelli Rhwy Road and Penylan Road in Garndiffaith.

Mr Morgan added: “This is the sort of crime that is so infuriating for any car owner and one has to question the mind-set of the offender as to why they would do this.”

The inspector encouraged residents to sign up to ‘Gwent Now’. which allows officers to send local messages via e-mail to advise of specific crimes and give crime prevention advice.

To sign up, visit gwentnow.org/en/areas.php or e-mail the inspector directly at david.morgan@gwent.pnn.police.uk