Getting businesses working together to prevent crime is one of the main priorities for Monmouth's new police sergeant.

Sgt Steve Thorpe is back for his third spell in the town after transferring from Newport Central – a straight swap with the outgoing Sgt Dick Bull.

"I've lived in the area since transferring here from Hertfordshire in 2003 and I really like Monmouth – it is a great place to work," said Sgt Thorpe.

"It is different from Newport as I was in the city centre and was in constant contact with other departments just down the corridor. Here I am more isolated.

"Geographically it is also a much bigger area so comes with its own challenges.

"It is unfortunate we don't have the front desks open to the public but to deal with that we have the mobile police station, and hopefully we are targetting the right areas.

"We do run a surgery at Monmouth Station on a Tuesday afternoon and people can always come and ring the bell – if there is someone in, they will come and answer."

High on Sgt Thorpe's list of priorities is continuing the work done locally in engaging the business community with police.

"The guys here have worked hard to set up the Business Crime Partnership and to get retailers using Storenet," said Sgt Thorpe, "it is important we promote these and encourage more people to join.

"Once people get used to using Storenet on a regular basis it becomes instinctive and could be a real asset for the town."

Storenet allows shop workers to contact each other quickly as well as having a direct line to local officers – it led to eight arrests in the past month.

"When someone is seen on CCTV stealing from a shop, their description can be put quickly over Storenet," added Sgt Thorpe.

"We have our Christmas operation in planning, which will probably be focused on shoplifting and purse thefts, and will also be targetting thefts from vehicles and home burglaries.

"Up until Christmas there will be a focus on high visibility policing in Monmouth – you should be seeing officers around the town every day and if people don't, I want them to get in touch and tell me."

Call Monmouth Police Station on 01495 232366 or email him at [email protected]">[email protected]