A CRACKDOWN on burglaries in Newport has resulted in more than 50 people being arrested and a huge drop in the number of burglaries.

Following a spate of house burglaries in the city, a special police task force was set up at the end of July.

Since then the number of crimes has dropped from 85 in July to 13 this month, a fall of 85 per cent.

In just one week in July there were 46 reported burglaries or attempted break-ins, almost all on the eastern side of the city in areas such as St Julians and Maindee.

Operation Conifer had almost immediate success with a 41 per cent fall in burglaries and the arrest of 21 suspects in the first three weeks.

Now a total of 53 youths and men, aged between 13 and 30, from the Newport area have been arrested for burglary.

DC Jon Skillett said they had achieved this huge success with a co-ordinated approach between CID and uniformed officers as well as the assistance of members of the public.

"However, I would ask the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity."

Detective Inspector Chris Watts, who is leading the operation, said the massive drop in burglaries in the city reflected the hard work done by the dedicated team.

"I can reassure the public that we are actively pursuing criminals in the city and bringing them before the courts."

Residents were reminded to keep their homes secure at all times and report anything suspicious, no matter how small, to Gwent Police.

Operation Conifer is on-going any anyone with information that may help burglary investigations should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.