"Partnership Working at its best" in Llanhilleth

Abertillery Crime Prevention Panel has worked with the Youth Offending Team, Probation Service and the local Tesco store, amongst others, to provide a solution to the Chapel's security issues after it has been targeted twice in the last three months.

Substantial damage was caused in the Schoolroom and items stolen included the children's television. The Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner supports the preventive work carried out by the Crime Prevention Panels and has donated £1000 toward the running of the Panel in Abertillery which covers the Llanhilleth area.

They comprise of voluntary members who are committed to supporting their local community by raising awareness of what steps they can take to protect themselves and their property from criminal intent. They are supported by local police officers who are able to provide intelligence to focus on particular areas - whether that be geographically or in the sense of emerging crime trends. Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer, Wayne Roberts, carried out a crime prevention survey at Zion Miners' Chapel and following this, the Crime Prevention Panel provided security alarms and UV pens to mark up chapel equipment which they assisted Chapel staff with.

The Chapel has also purchased two security doors which were fitted free of charge by local carpenters. Care and Repair (funded by the Local Authority) fitted Dusk to Dawn security lights around the Chapel and provided - and used- a security marking substance on all Chapel property to aid with the identification of anyone responsible for theft or damage in the future.

The Probation Service assisted by clearing the garden and the Youth Offending Team are painting the iron work outside. Rev Viv Nicholls, Minister of Zion Miners' Chapel said: "The Congregation and I are extremely grateful to PC Rob Heal for putting us in touch with PC Wayne Roberts who has been an amazing support to everyone at Zion during this very difficult time. We feel that he has gone above and beyond what you would normally expect from the police after a burglary. Without his expert advice and access to all the other organisations which he contacted on our behalf, we would not be as far forward with our security arrangements as we now are.

"We are currently having intruder alarms fitted in and around the chapel. The purchase of the alarm system and rear security doors was made possible by donations from the local community."

Gwent Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Paul Harris said: "This is partnership working at its best. Crime Prevention Panels are able to co-ordinate local help to target local problems and provide the most appropriate solutions. Their efforts do not go unnoticed and I am sure, like me, local residents are extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication."