THERE has been a decrease in burglaries in Penarth over the festive period, police have said.

Officers increased patrols in the town centre in the run-up to Christmas after residents complained about the lack of police presence in the town.

Since more patrols were increased last month there has been a decrease in retail theft due to the high visibility of police in the area.

Eleven businesses were broken into across Penarth town centre between October and November.

Police told The Penarth Times in November that several arrests have been made in connection with the spate of burglaries, nobody has been charged but investigations continue.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “There have been a number of arrests in connection with the spate of commercial burglaries in Penarth. As of yet, nobody has been charged but investigations continue.

“There have been no further burglaries and there was a decrease in retail theft thanks to high visibility patrols in the town centre in the run-up to Christmas .”