Bedwas and Caerphilly welcome new police inspector and sergeant

Gwent Police has welcomed a new inspector and sergeant to the Caerphilly South area.

Inspector Andy O’Keefe and Sergeant Andy Elias will now support the neighbourhood policing team and will be based at Bedwas Police Station.

Between them, they will cover the Bedwas and Caerphilly policing areas, which take in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen, the St James ward, Llanbradach, the St Martin’s ward, Morgan Jones ward, Penyrheol and the Aber Valley.

Inspector O’Keefe started his career at the Metropolitan Police in 1995, serving as a PC in Hounslow and Feltham.

He joined Gwent Police in 1999 and has worked in Rhymney, Blackwood, Ystrad Mynach and has also served as a partnership sergeant and inspector in Blaenau Gwent. He is also one of Gwent Police’s trained hostage and crisis negotiators.

Sergeant Andy Elias joined the police service in 1997, also with the Met, and served as a PC in Wandsworth and Tooting.

Inspector Andy O’Keefe said: “The officers of the neighbourhood policing teams are currently tackling several issues, including vehicle crime and criminal damage and burglary.

“This week alone, we’ve seen three attempted garage break-ins, a shed burglary, garage burglary and a burglary at a commercial premises in the Caerphilly area.

“With the warm weather we are asking residents to be mindful of having open windows and the need for securing them when leaving their homes and vehicles.

“We do not want to make it easier for opportunist criminals to target them.”