Operation Athena: £137k in stolen vehicles recovered

A major police operation targeting vehicle crime in Blaenau Gwent has recovered £137,800 worth of stolen bikes and cars and resulted in 12 arrests within just two weeks.

Operation Athena, launched on Tuesday 30 September, brought together neighbourhood, Roads Policing and Specialist Operations (RPSO) and crime prevention teams in a proactive initiative to tackle vehicle-related offences.

As part of the operation, detectives investigating the theft of off-road bikes arrested a man and recovered 13 vehicles in Ebbw Vale. The man was released on police bail.

Sergeant Marc Porter, from the Blaenau Gwent neighbourhood team, said: “I want to reassure residents of Blaenau Gwent that we’re listening to your concerns and are committed to addressing the theft of bikes and cars, and the theft from vehicles in your area.

“Gwent Police recognises that vehicle crime is unacceptable and distressing and can have a major impact on those living and working in our communities.

“The first two weeks of Operation Athena have been very encouraging with departments across Gwent Police coming together to tackle crime and keep residents’ vehicles safe.

“We’ve arrested a dozen people so far – with one suspect accountable for seven offences – and our efforts to tackle this crime are continuing.

“We will continue to target hotspots throughout Blaenau Gwent and provide advice to residents and businesses on the steps they can take to deter and prevent vehicle crime from happening to them.”

This week also marks Operation Alliances, a National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) initiative, which intensifies efforts to tackle vehicle related crime across the country.

How to keep your vehicle safe:

• Don’t leave items on display – remove power leads, SatNavs, stereo panels, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags from your vehicle or place them out of sight
• Keep keys and ignition fobs safe and out of sight – ensure they’re not left near unlocked doors or open windows where opportunist thieves can access them
• Always lock and close windows when unattended – whether on your drive, at the petrol station or parking elsewhere
• Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings using one-way clutch head screws
• Keep electronic keys safe in a security pouch such as a Faraday bag and check it’s still working every few months
• Activate security devices such as alarms and immobilisers
• Choose well-lit, staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award

If you know where a suspected stolen bike or vehicle is being stored or want to report a theft, contact Gwent Police via their website, call 101, or message them on Facebook or X.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

In an emergency, always dial 999.