POLICE and council officers carried out a high-profile, two-day crackdown on crime "hot-spots" in the Risca area.

Police, working alongside housing, environmental health and enforcement officers, carried out operations in Pantside and Ty-Sign within the last two weeks, in a bid to reduce the fear of crime.

The areas have seen an increase in problems, in particular anti-social behaviour. Sergeant Stuart Mackie said: "Over the months of April and May there have been in excess of 340 reported incidents in the Ty-Sign area of Risca.

"This tends to stretch police resources to its limits. "Ty Sign would be considered a 'hot spot' as the area accounts for 18 per cent of reported disorder in the section.

"The Pantside estate in Newbridge also suffers greatly with reports of general disorder and this also stretches police resources.

"Emotions are currently running high in this particular area and the residents have a strong fear of crime.

"One of the main reasons for this upsurge in public order offences is the fact that the youths consume alcohol which obviously affects the way in which they behave. "The manner of youths' driving causes great concern to residents.

"There is a real fear of serious accidents occurring, especially when there are always children of school age frequenting both sites."

Other complaints in the areas included vehicles being used without tax and abandoned vehicles.

The two estates were targeted over two days and the operation included road traffic police having check points on the main entrance and exit routes of the estates. Caerphilly Borough Council environmental health officers patrolled the streets removing abandoned cars.

Fines officers also executed a number of warrants for unpaid court fines. Crime prevention officers took to the streets giving out advice, especially to the elderly. One 73-year-old Pantside resident who had previously been burgled, said: "I don't sleep too well since they broke in. We never go out anymore, there is always somebody here. "It was nerve-racking for a long time but I am getting over it."

PC Joe Griffiths left the elderly man and his wife some crime prevention advice and arranged for them to have a visit from the Bobby Van.

The Bobby Van officers will carry out a full survey of the house and then fit security devices free of charge. It operates for elderly and vulnerable people.

He also showed elderly residents how to mark their property using an ultra-violet pen. Detective Constable Debbie Mitizen, the field intelligence officer for the Risca and Newbridge, area said the operation had been a great success.

She added: "Hopefully it has allayed any fears the public may have in relation to disorder and crime in general."