Police News

21st November 2010

The Neath Ferret website has all the news about scams and other activities residents should be aware of.

www.neathferret.co.uk

17th August 2010

Police in Neath Port Talbot are investigating two distraction burglaries which are being linked to a number of suspicious incidents across the South Wales force yesterday (Monday 16^th August).

At 1.55pm an incident was reported at George Street in Neath where two men attended the home of a 93-year-old man claiming they needed to enter the house as there was a burst water main in a nearby street.

One of the men distracted the owner while the other made a search of the property.

The suspect is described as male, aged mid 40s, tall, of medium build with short cropped hair, wearing a navy suit, a shirt and tie, generally of very smart appearance.

At 3.30pm a further incident was reported at Corporation Road in Port Talbot by an 89-year-old female, who was approached by two men at her home stating there had been an explosion.

One of the men distracted the woman while the other made a search of the property.

She described the suspect as aged late 20s to early 30s, white, 5ft 7ins in height, average build, with dark short hair and a black moustache. He wore smart clothing, a white shirt and black gloves.

These incidents are being linked to four others which were reported across the South Wales force area - Parkfield Place in Cardiff at 10.40am, Penbryn in Merthyr Tydfil at 12.20pm, Illtyd Street, Neath at 1.30pm and at St Lawrence Court in Penlan, Swansea at 4.45pm.

These were similar in nature to the distraction burglaries reported in Neath Port Talbot. On these occasions the occupiers refused entry and the men made off.All the suspects have been described as being well-dressed or smart.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Davies, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen these individuals or anyone who may have been approached in similar circumstances to come forward to the police.

“An investigation is underway in order to identify those responsible. We would use this as an opportunity to remind residents not to allow any cold callers into your home.

POLICE NEWS RELEASE

Police in Neath Port Talbot have made three arrests following a number of high-value mountain bike thefts.

The Port Talbot Neighbourhood Policing Team executed warrants in the Kenfig Hill and Cornelly areas of Bridgend yesterday.

They followed a number of recent thefts of mountain bikes in the Port Talbot area worth ten of thousands of pounds.

Three men – aged 19, 19 and 21 – were arrested and questioned at Neath Police Station. A quantity of stolen property was also recovered. All three men have been bailed while investigations continue.

They were arrested in relation to the thefts of mountain bikes and equipment from a bike shop at Gyfylchi Farm in Pontrhydyfen on 9^th/10^th June.

Police are also continuing to investigate two other high-value thefts from Margam Park and a lock-up at Afan Forest Park.

A total of eight mountain bikes were stolen from a secure lock-up at the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre at around 11.15pm on Tuesday 8th June.

Four of the bikes, worth around £4,000, were later found dumped in a hedge just off the A4107 road near the entrance to the village of Cynonville.

The remaining four remain outstanding and are described as follows:

2009 KONA 120 SUPREME, 18" frame, white forks, mostly white frame with orange and red graphics, value £900.

2010 KONA CADABRA 18" frame serial no. HOAH 12977, value £1,600

2010 KONA CADABRA 18" frame serial no. HOAH 13193, value £1,700

2010 KONA CADABRA 20" frame serial no. HOAH 13019, value £1,600

The above 3 bikes have white forks and red and silver frames.

The thefts followed an incident at Margam Park when nine specialist bikes worth around £30,000 were stolen at the National Mountain Bike Championships between Saturday 29th May and Sunday 30th May.

Sergeant Melanie Baker of the Port Talbot Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are continuing to investigate these thefts and would appeal to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the stolen bikes to contact the police.”

Call South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.