SWANSEA Valley Police helped arrest 85 individuals during a three-day operation to tackle crime.

Operation Anvil targeted burglars and those involved in the associated crimes of handling stolen goods and drugs.

A total of 85 arrests were made and a large quantity of stolen goods and drugs has been recovered.

Detective Inspector Dave Wright, who led Operation Anvil, said: “Operation Anvil has been an outstanding success and has sent a clear message out to criminals in Neath, Port Talbot. Our activity does not stop here and we will continue to target those who commit crime.

“Operation Anvil has not just been about executing warrants and arresting criminals. A lot of work has been out in by our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Community Safety Department to help people prevent becoming burglary victims in the first place, by utilising crime prevention.”

Officers executed warrants and utilised DNA and fingerprint hits for crime suspects.

As well as the enforcement, the Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership has been holding a roadshow across the area offering crime prevention advice to local residents, including discounted car security in partnership with retailer Halfords.

Property has been postcoded and people who leave valuables on display in their cars have been given advice by the police.

Those involved in drugs and stolen goods – which are both closely linked to burglaries – were also targeted as part of the operation.

Chief Inspector Dave Bishop, of Neath Port Talbot Police, said: “Operation Anvil was about targeting offenders and sending out a message to criminals that they will not be tolerated.

“The residents of Neath Port Talbot can be reassured that we are determined to target criminals who have an adverse affect on the quality of life enjoyed by the vast majority of people who live in the area.

“Our efforts will not stop here.”