Winning the war on crime (From Penarth Times)

Winning the war on crime

PENARTH police say they are delighted with the low levels of crime over the Christmas period, after they targeted alcohol related incidents in the town.

Acting community sergeant Darren Grady said: "The Christmas period passed off very peacefully this year.

"We had very few assaults to deal with and very few thefts reported."

Minor assaults were reported in Dinas Powys on December 28, on Redlands Avenue on December 27 and on Plymouth Road on December 27.

Sergeant Grady said: "We can only praise the public for the way they have behaved while out enjoying themselves in the town over the holiday period.

"We would also like to thank all the landlords in the Penarth area who have signed up to the Pubwatch scheme.

"We believe it is proving highly successful as part of our strategy to cut alcohol-related crime."

The Penarth Pubwatch scheme is a joint initiative between landlords, the police and the Vale of Glamorgan council which aims to ban known troublemakers from using pubs in the Penarth area.

Sergeant Grady said: "Over Christmas we have also been using the new £80 fixed penalties designed to combat drunk and disorderly behaviour.

"These spot fines are very effective because they allow us to keep officers on the streets rather than being tied up with the arrest procedure at the station.

"The only real problem we have had this year is a spate of vandalism where damage has been caused to cars.

"We have had reports of damage to the windows of 12 cars in Penarth Marina, Cedar Way, Victoria Square and Stanwell Road.

"The windows have been broken but nothing stolen from the vehicles. We are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed these incidents."

Please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or Penarth Police Community Department on 029 2022 2111 if you are able to assist the police with their inquiries.

(BLOB) The good news was backed up by crime figures from across the Vale area.

Chief Inspector Steve Siddall said: "For December 2005, the Vale has seen the lowest recorded crime for any month in the last two years.

"In addition, we've seen a 16 per cent decrease in recorded crime for the Christmas period between December 25 and January 1, which is due to recent targeted operations that have taken place and successful crime prevention initiatives."