I hope that you all had a crime free January and that you didn't "over do it" in the sales!

Firstly, I must offer sincere apologies for not being able to attend my 'Meet your local constable' session that was to have taken place on the 14th January. When I reported for duty at 6:00am I had to attend Newport police station to interview three people who had been arrested the previous evening. The offences were serious, and I was the only available officer to do this. I'm sorry if I missed anyone who wished to see me but I've now rescheduled another session - see below.

Now that spring is approaching I'm going to offer some advice on general home and, in particular, garden shed security.

1. GENERAL HOUSE SECURITY

• Always fully lock your house and set any alarms even if you're just popping out for a few minutes. MANY BURGLARIES ARE RANDOM.
• Ensure that all downstairs windows have locks fitted to them and that the keys are easily accessible in case of fire or other emergency.
• Make sure that patio doors are fitted with locks and security bolts, top and bottom, or diagonally. This helps to prevent the doors being lifted out of their frames.
• Don't leave your house keys anywhere - that dustbin, flower pot etc. is the first place a thief will look.
• If you can afford it, fit a burglar alarm and have it maintained annually.
• Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or consider starting one in your area. Contact P.C.Turner on 01291-430999 for further advice and details.
• When you go out at night leave a light switched on. You can buy mechanical light fitting adapters that will do this for you.
• Have a chain fitted to your front door and ALWAYS check the identity of strangers before letting them into your house. If in doubt ring the police immediately - if the caller is genuine he or she won't mind.

2. GARDEN SHED SECURITY

• If your shed has a window put up a net curtain. This helps prevent thieves from looking inside.
• Fit a heavy duty HASP AND STAPLE on the door and door frame. Ensure that it is securely fixed using nuts, bolts and washers or a metal back plate. The bolts should go right through the door frame.
• If the window opens, fit a lock.
• Ensure that you buy and fit a good Quality padlock.
• If you have to store expensive items, lawnmowers, cycles etc., consider chaining them to a rack inside the shed.
• Don't leave anything useful to thieves around the garden - AXES, CROWBARS, SPADES etc.
• You can now buy battery operated infra red alarms for sheds and garages. These would probably scare off any intruder.
• If you have a deep freeze in the shed, fit a lock to it. Lots of thieves steal food in addition to other items.

  Next month I'll "be giving advice on garage and garden security.
  
  

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  REMEMBER
  If you see anything suspicious call the police.
  Don't wait, or think that you're bothering us.
  WE LIKE CATCHING CRIMINALS!
  
  

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  MEET YOUR LOCAL CONSTABLE
  In February I will be available to meet and speak with anyone who has concerns over or information concerning crime, at the following times:

  SUNDAY, 25th FEBRUARY - 10:00am - 11:30am - THE WOODLAND TAVERN, LLANVAIR DISCOED.

  SUNDAY, 25th FEBRUARY - 12:00noon - 1:30pm - CAERWENT COMMUNITY HALL .

  "DON'T BE SHY!" I will have crime prevention publications and information on drug and alcohol abuse available to hand out.

  Best wishes.

  Ashley Turner.
  Community Police Constable