A team of Gwent Police detectives dedicated to solving and preventing burglaries in Newport is celebrating a successful first year.
Since Operation Conifer began 12 months ago, work by the detectives has led to 384 arrests of suspected burglars.
Nine detectives and four police officers are currently working on the Operation Conifer team.
Some of their most recent work culminated in a day of action on Wednesday, June 9 in Newport, when a number of early morning search warrants were executed.
Since the beginning of April 2010, the Operation Conifer team have introduced a traffic light system to target suspected offenders as low, medium or high priority.
Using the traffic light system the team have targeted and arrested five prolific offenders, who have all been either recalled to prison or given new prison sentences in court.
The team of detectives then work closely with their partners in probation and the youth offending team in Newport to ensure burglars are offered an alternative crime-free lifestyle when they are released from prison.
Since the traffic light system was introduced, burglary numbers in Newport fell by 28% from April to May.
Detectives now expect numbers to fall further when more prolific burglars are arrested and put behind bars, or into the courts system.
Detective sergeant Matt Sedgebeer, who is leading Operation Conifer, said: “We have adopted a zero tolerance approach and compiled comprehensive files of evidence against the most prolific burglars to ensure the courts put them behind bars.
“By using the traffic light system we have been able to identify the worst offenders in Newport and concentrate our investigative resources on them.
“Our proactive team of detectives has proved to be very successful and I want to reassure the residents of Newport that we know who most of these criminals are and we will stop those who haven’t already been put behind bars from offending.”
Detective Inspector Chris Watts added: “We are using a number of methods and reacting quickly to reduce burglaries in Newport.
“Our team is working very hard to find additional witnesses to burglaries and to gather forensic evidence to bring charges against suspected culprits.
“I can reassure people that those responsible for the majority of burglaries in Newport have already been stopped.”
Residents are reminded to keep their homes secure at all times and report anything suspicious, no matter how small, to Gwent Police.
One third of burglaries in Gwent are committed when residents have left doors or windows open or unlocked.
Operation Conifer is ongoing and anyone with information that may help burglary investigations should call Gwent Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
