CRIMINAL Damage Awareness Month launches in Blaenau Gwent this week aiming to raise awareness on how to protect property from thieves.

From July 22 to August 16, Criminal Damage Awareness Month will see Abertillery, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar neighbourhood policing teams visiting streets throughout Blaenau Gwent to share crime prevention advice and sign up residents to the Online Watch Link (OWL). Week one, will see officers visit over 40 streets in Abertillery.

Ebbw Vale neighbourhood sergeant Matt Briggs, who is leading on the project said: “I believe that if motorists follow this simple advice it will not only deter offenders but it will also prevent opportunities for these crimes to take place. During the summer months we have noticed an increase in criminal damage, sometimes there’s no real reason behind it but we want to provide crime prevention advice to residents and motorists to help them do as much as they can to prevent them from becoming a victim of crime. These are often mindless acts by individuals, if you do see anyone committing any form of criminal damage, please contact Gwent Police immediately and remember, always ring 999 if you see a crime taking place.”

Follow @gwentpolice on Twitter for updates. or search #BGCriminalDamage

We want to raise awareness throughout these areas and advise motorists on how best to secure their vehicles and move their possessions from view. For example, you can help to protect your vehicle by simply folding in the wing mirrors, or by parking in areas that are covered by CCTV.