As Spring ends and the Summer tries to begin, Monmouthshire saw and will see some interesting and diverse events taking place.
We have Festivals and Shows throughout the County, further cycle events and of course the National Eisteddfod. I believe it is an honour and a privilege to host the prestigious event, which encompasses what it is to be Welsh. I have attended meetings discussing the event and it is going to be busy but credit to the organisers, they have well laid plans! Gwent Police are supporting the event both within the main Maes and there will be additional resources within the Town to assist with the influx of visitors.
The Velothon went, on the whole, smoothly and I was able to get ‘out and about’ with Inspector Huw Jones, trying to reduce disruption. There was some excitement when a car involved in burglaries in Dyfed-Powys and in Gwent came onto the course. Local officers aided by some specialist officers from the Area Support Unit, Police Helicopter and dog section were able to arrest the two suspects a short time later, recovering the car and stolen property, in Govilon. This was due to the vigilance of members of the local community who really were our ‘eyes and ears’ on this occasion and pin pointed where the two had ran off. A big thanks to them! The day was hailed as a great success and, although some inconvenience was experienced, it was only for one day and with a bit of planning, I think most people enjoyed the event. It is great to showcase our region and the event brings many welcome visitors throughout the year as a result.
Further good arrests have been made in the Clydach area where there was a spate of car crime and work is on-going to try and link these individuals to other local crime. Please ensure that you do not leave anything valuable or appearing valuable on show, that might encourage people to break in to steal. Even if the items are not of value, you still will have the bill for the damage and the inconvenience of repair.
We have had the opportunity to support the campaign regarding dog fouling, showing this offence the ‘red card’. Community Support Officers went on patrol with other interested parties to get the message across to pick up your dog mess and be conscious where you walk your dogs. I would ask you to keep your dogs away from play areas and marked pitches. Individuals will receive fines if they are seen to be neglectful in dealing with their dog’s mess. I am aware that we are trying to get more dedicated bins in the key areas but until that time; pick it up, take it home and dispose of it responsibly. We are looking to run another event in September.
Good luck to Wales in both the Football and Rugby, tough challenges for both!
Take care, be safe and I’ll see you all at the Eisteddfod.
Inspector Arwel Hicks
