SINCE Christmas and New Year police in Breconshire have been quick to deploy a range of tactics in order to detect and deter overnight thieves.

Police have seen an increase in acquisitive crime (crimes where the offender obtains material gain) – particularly in and around the Crickhowell area.

Overnight on January 13, a 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft following a pro-active stop by officers near Brecon, having been located in possession of power tools.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity through the online reporting service, or calling 101.

Local officers have a number of tools to assist them, such as automatic number plate recognition and the Police National Computer in order to intercept criminals and act on intelligence. Early reporting by the public often means that thieves can be caught in the act, or with stolen property on them.

Inspector Gwyndaf Bowen said: “Breconshire officers have been quick to step up patrols in response to an increase in thefts along the A40 around Crickhowell.

“Evening and night-time patrols are being concentrated in the area and we are working closely with colleagues in Gwent Police and South Wales Police to prevent these types of crime. But I appeal to the public to report any suspicious activity to us as a matter of urgency, so that together we can tackle and prevent this increase in acquisitive crime.”

Dyfed Powys Police provides free crime prevention advice to individuals and businesses in order to strengthen and protect property and make them harder to target, and ultimately deter, delay and detect perpetrators. Any requests for this type of advice can be made online at bit.ly/DPP101Online, or by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or alternatively call 101.