GWENT Police is recruiting members for the new Chepstow Crime Prevention Panel to help reduce levels of crime in the area.

The Crime Prevention Panel is a jointly funded charitable association and members will work with Gwent Police to offer crime prevention advice and practical support to communities.

Part of that work includes patrols by the volunteers who identify potential victims of crime due to homes being left insecure or by motorists leaving valuable items on view. They will then liaise with the local neighbourhood officer and community support officers. Panel members support local events, help sign residents up to OWL and inform residents on how to keep themselves safe and prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime.

Chepstow Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Jamie Jones explains: "The Crime Prevention Panel offers a great opportunity for local people to get actively involved in protecting their property and helping us to reduce crime locally."

Further panels will be rolled out across Monmouthshire after the successful creation of the Chepstow panel.