Magpie
BEAT THE BURGLAR
DON’T fill his bag, with YOUR SWAG!!!
Your home is your castle, SECURE IT , and reduce the
hassle.
SUCCESS FOR OPERATION MAGPIE BUT GWENT RESIDENTS STILL NEED TO BE VIGILANT
Since the launch of Operation Magpie on April 30th this year, force- wide reports of burglary have fallen 9.2% compared to the same time last year.
The initiative is a three pronged approach to target burglary including long term investment, management of persistent offenders and a crime prevention initiative. Local Crime and Disorder Reduction Officers (CADRO’s) delivered letters, containing a voucher for a UV marking kit and an invitation to attend a neighbourhood watch meeting, to residents who live in burglary hot spots. Crime Prevention leaflets are also placed in prominent locations in the community such as post offices, banks and travel agents. 
Gwent Police are keen to keep crime prevention issues in the limelight as, at this time of the year, sheds which often contain expensive tools, garden furniture and sports equipment are frequently targeted. As the warmer nights set in, residents often leave their windows or conservatories inadequately secured and are subsequently becoming the victim of "creeper" burglars.
Inspector Bob Witherall, Gwent Force Crime Prevention Officer is delighted with the success so far but offers these words of advice:
"I am pleased with the success of Operation Magpie so far. The leaflets and the UV testing kits have been particularly popular although we still need to raise the profile of crime prevention further. We are stepping up the initiative by advertising in the UCG cinema, Newport. The advert has started running and will remind cinema- goers about the threat of burglary 52 times each day for the next 12 months."
Inspector Witherall also warned residents that thieves, once they have entered your property, will not be content with taking property from inside your home, they will also steal your car:
"Thieves are opportunists. We have noticed that some burglaries result in the theft of motor vehicle, particularly the more expensive ones, as well because residents leave car keys in highly visible places such as a table in the hallway or hanging up in the kitchen. I would urge residents not to make it easy for thieves: keep your car keys out of sight,"
