Additional CCTV cameras installed in Rhymney as Gwent Police’s Safer Streets project continues

Six new public space CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations in Rhymney to help tackle neighbourhood crime.

The cameras, which are currently situated on Lady Tyler Terrace, Church Street, Hill Street, the junction at Merthyr Road, Dan Y Graig and the A465 viaduct junction in Pontlottyn, are complemented by adjoining lights and will help officers tackle vehicle crime and fuel theft in the area.

With the ability to be moved to a further nine locations, the CCTV forms part of the force’s Safer Streets project in Rhymney – helping to crack down on neighbourhood crime, deter theft and identify suspects.

Gwent Police secured almost £300,000 (£299, 777.00) of Safer Streets funding from the Home Office earlier this year.

The Home Office's Safer Streets initiative gives forces across England and Wales the opportunity to apply for grants which can be used on crime preventative measures in their communities

The funds, which have been used to purchase the CCTV cameras, are being used to deter crime and increase home security in the Moriah, Pontlottyn and Twyn Carno wards of Rhymney, with the focus being on the most common neighbourhood crimes in the area: burglary, robbery, theft and vehicle crime.

Officers visited residents in August to introduce the project, offered home security advice and assessed each individual’s need for additional security measures like improved door and window locks, dusk-to-dawn security lighting, indoor lighting timers and residential CCTV doorbell systems.

As part of the Safer Streets project in Rhymney, Gwent Police is:

•            helping increase home safety by offering free home security equipment, including improved door and window locks, to those who need them

•            helping protect residents’ valuable items from theft by delivering free property marking kits and accompanying signage

•            helping protect vehicles from crime through the installation of new public space CCTV cameras.

Gwent Police’s We Don't Buy Crime team – an award-winning initiative tackling acquisitive crime in the county – is also playing a key part in the project.

The team has recently delivered free Smart-Water and UV pens to residents to allow them to forensically mark their possessions – making them easier to trace, and return, if stolen. 

Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, the force’s lead on acquisitive crime, said:

“We want our communities to feel safe in the areas in which they live. 

“All crime has a negative impact on the public, so any measures we can take to tackle these issues and make people feel less fearful of crime is a step in the right direction.

“The tactics we’ll be using in Rhymney, as well as Pillgwenlly in Newport, are not only designed to prevent and reduce crime but also help people keep themselves, their loved ones and their cherished items safe.”

Cllr. Nigel George, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, added: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Gwent Police on this targeted project to tackle the issues being experienced in a specific area within the county borough. 

“The safety of residents is paramount and we’re confident these measures will prevent such crimes occurring, whilst also offering reassurance to the local community.”

For more information on Gwent Police’s Safer Streets work, visit Safer Streets | Gwent Police.