A Safer Bridgend for Christmas

It has already proved to be effective with four people arrested in its first few days. Among these was a 36 year old man from the Bridgend area who was arrested on suspicion of the theft of a purse within minutes of the offence being committed. A 25 year old man from Porthcawl and a 27 year old woman from Bridgend were both arrested on suspicion of the theft of a charity collection box – again within a short time of the offence being committed.

The aim of the campaign in Bridgend town centre is to provide reassurance and a friendly face for all those who are visiting the town centre during the day time, whether shopping, working or going out for a celebratory lunch.

Neighbourhood Police Officers will be carrying out high visibility foot patrols in the main shopping areas in order to increase public reassurance, provide added support to retailers and to deter potential offenders.

The Festive period traditionally sees a massive increase in the number of visitors to Bridgend town centre and officers want to reassure shoppers, and traders, that any form of anti social behaviour or criminal activity will not be tolerated, and offenders will be dealt with robustly.

Bridgend Neighbourhood Police Sergeant Chris Truscott, said: “We have already shown how successful this operation can be and these early arrests are an illustration that the high level of policing in the town centre means that anyone committing a crime will be caught and dealt with swiftly and effectively".

"I want to reassure everyone who visits Bridgend in the build up to Christmas - whether they are a visitor, shopper or a trader – that we will be aiming to ensure that the Neighbourhood Policing Team is visible and on patrol at times when they will be most effective and when they are most needed".

“We will be paying particular attention to the town’s main retail areas and the Christmas operation has been designed to complement the current night time Operation Raven which focuses on reassuring those who visit Bridgend during the evening and night-time. This will provide an almost 24 hour police presence in the town centre over the coming weeks".

“I would also like to emphasise that anyone coming to Bridgend with the intention of causing any form of disruption or to commit a crime will be dealt with in a robust and positive manner".

“The centre of Bridgend remains a DPPO which mean officers will be using powers to remove alcohol from people in public areas and I am reminding revellers that this will be strictly enforced.”

While on patrol officers will be in contact with members of Business PACT, Storenet and CCTV operators. This will enable them to react promptly and effectively to any reports of unlawful activity.

Shoppers are reminded of the following crime prevention advice this Christmas:

• When the shops are crowed, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. Stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse.

• Keep your purse/wallet close to your body and don't carry too much cash.

• If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well-lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view.

• Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance.

• Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping.