A NEW Detective Inspector has been appointed to take charge of fighting crime in Monmouthshire.

Detective Inspector Andrew Tuck has been an officer with Gwent Police for 11 years, spending the majority of his career in Newport and the Force Intelligence Bureau, dealing with crime analysis to target offenders.

During his time in Newport, he dealt with high profile cases including murder, armed robbery and high value burglaries.

On being promoted to Detective Inspector, he transferred to Monmouthshire in May 2014.

Detective Inspector Tuck said, ‘I’m really pleased to be working in Monmouthshire. Monmouthshire is an area which is one of the safest places to live in Gwent however, I still want to encourage residents to make sure they do all they can to prevent themselves becoming the victim of crime. My main aim is to tackle the small minority of repeat offenders who think it is acceptable to commit crime in Monmouthshire.’

DI Tuck is also advising residents in the area to be extra vigilant with their shed, outbuilding and garage security following a number of breaks ins.

Since July 1, there have been 75 shed, garage, or outbuilding burglaries reported across Monmouthshire, with key areas targeted being Abergavenny, Usk and Monmouth.

Thieves are cutting padlocks with bolt croppers and stealing items from inside. Items stolen include chain saws, hedge trimmers, power tolls, mountain bikes, horse tack and fuel.

DI Andrew Tuck said: “We’ve recently seen a cluster of shed and garage breaks within Monmouthshire in more rural areas either side of the main Pontypool to Abergavenny Road and onwards on the A465 Hereford Road.

“I’m asking for the support of all residents and urging them to always lock garden items and bikes away securely. If possible, secure large bulky items together and then secure them to the floor or wall to make it more difficult for thieves to access them. Also think about a security light or alarm which can be bought fairly cheaply. Thieves will take any chance they can, please don’t make it easy for them.”

If you do see anything suspicious in your area including any suspicious vehicles, call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.