Residents have been warned by police to be extra vigilant with their home, shed and garage security following a number of thefts in recent weeks.
Attempted breaks were made at three homes in Newbridge, Risca, and Trinant and three sheds were broken into in Risca, Crosskeys and Crumlin. Food from an outdoor freezer and a BMX were stolen during these breaks.
DI Nick Wilkie, from Gwent Police, said: “We’ve recently seen a cluster of attempted home and shed breaks within Risca with no pattern where and when the crimes are being committed. I’m urging residents to always keep their homes secure at all times, not forgetting their garden sheds.
“In the majority of the recent cases, thieves have been disturbed and fortunately haven’t entered the property but I want residents to remember that thieves will take any chance they can, please don’t make it easy for them.
“We will now be increasing our patrols of the area, in particular overnight. We are also working with Caerphilly County Borough Council CCTV operators to monitor hotspot areas. If you do see any suspicious activity, please call us immediately on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
It may or may not be connected but Caerphilly Council and the police need to do more to regulate the scrap metal street traders who are constantly patrolling our streets. We have them around virtually every day and some days two or even three will come around in the same day. I have witnessed a white van driving along garage blocks behind houses in Bedwas, I thought it was quite suspicious behaviour. These scrap traders need to be regulated more and given their own designated areas, I’m sure most are just trying to make a living but they don’t appear to have a good reputation.