Ammanford police have been working with residents in the Amman Valley to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Homeowners in Grenig Road and Parc Bryn Rhos have seen a number of thefts in the area in recent months, almost doubling in numbers which led to PSCO Dayton Hughes and PC Steve Morris taking action.

At a meeting held last week in Bro Ryan’s community centre the officers set about starting up the area’s first Neighbourhood watch scheme.

“Although theft in the area is generally low, with an average crime rate of two per month, this area is a cause for concern,” PC Morris told the residents at the meeting.

“PCSO Hughes has therefore approached me with the idea of setting up the Neighbourhood watch.”

PC Morris went on to explain to residents that the public’s perception of crime far outweighed the actual number of crimes in the area.

“The fear of crime in the area is greater than Manchester in Cwmaman, so it is our job to reduce that fear,” added PC Morris.

The area of Grenig Road, Maes Grenig and Parc Bryn Rhos have seen thefts increase from April this year compared to last year, with a number of outdoor plants and ornaments stolen from properties.

PCSO Hughes said, “I am fed up with receiving reports of items going missing, so I thought it was time to get the residents involved.

“We have a huge area to cover from Glynmoch in Glanaman to the George in Cwmtwrch, we can’t be in one place all the time. It is up to the community to be our eyes and ears.

“It is a great opportunity for the community and as your local policing team we will support residents in this scheme.”

The meeting saw a number of residents interested in the scheme and PCSO Hughes appointed Gareth Davies of Parc Bryn Rhos as co-ordinator.

If you live in this area and are interested in the Neighbourhood watch scheme Gareth can be contacted via email garethdavies117@btinternet.com