Blaenau Gwent residents reminded to lock windows and doors

Blaenau Gwent residents are being reminded to close and lock their doors and windows following a number of burglaries in the area.

During the last couple of weeks, 12 homes in the Ebbw Vale, Tredegar and Brynmawr areas have been targeted. Of these, three quarters of them had insecure doors or windows.

In three of the burglaries, vehicles were also taken, after the car keys were stolen from inside their owners’ homes. Items including money, mobile phones, handbags as well as games consoles such as an X-Box and Nintendo Wii were also taken from the houses.

The following advice is being offered to residents:

• Remember to close and secure all doors and windows at night and when you go out
• Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home during at the day
• If you have locked your door, take the keys out of the lock and put them somewhere safe and out of reach from doors or windows
• Don’t leave expensive property in sight, close to a window
• Keep your car keys safe and out of sight
• Close all curtains when you have the lights on at night
• Shut and lock garden gates

Neighbourhood Officers have also leafleted homes in the area to remind residents of the need to be vigilant with their home security.

Ebbw Vale and Tredegar Neighbourhood Inspector, Tony Green, said:
“We would like to remind residents to always double check that they have closed and locked their doors and windows before they leave the house or go to bed. Even if you’re in the house in the day, it’s a good idea to keep your doors locked. It’s also important that you keep your car keys in a safe place and out of sight.

It may seem like simple advice but it’s very important that residents take these steps to reduce the risk of them becoming a victim of crime. We are currently investigating the recent burglaries and have made one arrest to date. I would encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to us.”