This month I'm going to update on the current crime patterns and then cover the subject of domestic violence.

CURRENT CRIME PATTERNS

The main areas of concern at present are burglaries from sheds and garages and theft from vehicles and theft of vehi- cles. By far the biggest prob- lem is thefts from garages and sheds. The offenders are usual- ly heroin addicts who are entering sheds and garages in the MAGOR, UNDYAND CALDICOT AREA and steal- ing power tools, power wash- ers etc. The offenders are stealing in groups of one or two persons and sometimes use a vehicle to transport their stolen items. Also, they are obviously looking into parked vehicles and if attractive items are left in view they will steal those as well.
There is also a white van touring our area and targeting and stealing motorcycles. A motorcycle was recently stolen from Caerwent by this method. Please ensure that your sheds and garages are fully secured at all times and put extra locks etc if required. It would also be appreciated if any vans that are seen loiter- ing in the area should be reported to the police so they can be checked. If you see a crime or theft being carried out - DIAL 999!

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Unfortunately, 'domestic violence' is a problem in our society. Many victims find it very embarrassing and often feel that they are to blame for the circumstances they find them- selves in and are reluctant to report it to the police. On average a victim has been assaulted between 20 to 50 times before it comes to the attention of the police!

THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN LAW BETWEEN A PERSON BEING ASSAULTED IN PUBLIC OR IN THE HOME.

However, 'domestic violence' can be much more subtle and offenders usually show remorse, initially, and say that it will never happen again etc. On the second, third and consequent occasions the violence slowly gets more serious. Victims often hide the situation from their relatives or become convinced that it is their own fault. Very often it is a victim's best friend who finally persuades the victim to seek help from the police or other agencies. It is Gwent police policy to carry out PRO ACTIVE police action in domestic violence cases.
This means that if you have assaulted your wife, partner etc, wherever possible you will be arrested. If you are charged with an offence bail conditions if requested by the victim will be imposed to prevent further contact with the victim for a specified time. However, it should be stressed that the final decision to proceed rests with the victim who must make the initial decision to formally complain to the police. This is often a moral dilemma as there could be children to consider and financial consequences.

If you are suffering domestic violence, you can talk confidentially to independent people, listed below:
1. REFUGE (24-hour line) 0990 995443
2. WOMEN'S AID (Newport 24-hour line) 01633 840258

Other official numbers are:
1. POLICE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT PONTYPOOL 01495 232373
2. CALDICOT POLICE STATION 01291430999 If you want further advice on these issues, contact me via CALDICOT POLICE STATION.

Next month I'll cover heroin abuse in more detail and repeat some crime pre- vention advice.

I welcome all constructive comments, critical or otherwise, about my articles. If there is any aspect of general criminal law tnat you would like to know about, let me know and I will write an article on it.

A GENERAL REMINDER! If you see any suspicious activity don't worry about 'disturbing the police'.

Please just dial Caldicot Police Station on 01291-430999 or 999 straight away. Remember, your efforts can make a real difference.

Ashley Turner

PC 737, Community Police Constable