Arrest made in Cwmbran criminal damage investigation

Officers have arrested a man on suspicion of criminal damage after windows were smashed at a number of shops in Cwmbran town centre.

Neighbourhood officers in Cwmbran have identified and arrested a 38-year-old Cwmbran man they suspect to be responsible for the 'mindless vandalism' that resulted in numerous shopfronts being damaged earlier this week.

At around 2.45am on Monday 10 February, we received reports that windows had been smashed at a number of shops in Cwmbran town centre.

Officers arrived quickly on the scene to carry out searches. The team also made a number of enquiries and engaged with local retailers, analysed CCTV footage and took statements from those working in the area.

Inspector Lee Stachow said:

"This appears to be an isolated incident of mindless vandalism, one which has had a negative effect on several businesses, workers and visitors in Cwmbran.

"Since the reports, our neighbourhood team has worked tirelessly to liaise with all workers and visitors to the town centre, both to get to the bottom of the incident, and reassure people we're doing all we can to identify the person(s) responsible.

"After reviewing CCTV material and making enquiries, we've now arrested a 38-year-old man from Cwmbran on suspicion of criminal damage.

"We'll continue to carry out additional patrols in the area and work with our partners to do all we can to tackle criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in town."

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