A POLICEMAN has swapped his Wye Valley beat to fight looting and other crime in

the hurricane ravaged Caribbean.

PC Simon Dover from Monmouth Police Station has joined seven other Gwent Police colleagues on a mission to the British Virgin Islands, which suffered devastation in the recent storm.

The group of seven police constables and one sergeant flew out on Friday, October 20, to help with the disaster relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

They are joining officers from 12 other UK police forces in providing support to local police.

The officers, who all volunteered to help, will be based in the Caribbean for around four weeks and will assist local officers facing public order challenges, including loot­ing.

Chief Superintendent Marc Budden said: “Our thoughts are with all the families in the Caribbean who have lost loved ones, or those whose lives have been decimated by this terrible disaster.

“We are pleased that our officers are able to support our national commitment to providing aid and relief to those that need it most.

“Our presence will offer support to the local officers and a reassuring presence to local communities living in affected areas.”

Chief Constable, Julian Williams, added: “This will be a challenging deployment, but I am proud that our officers have offered their assistance.

“It speaks volumes for the dedication of those working within Gwent Police that they are prepared to make this commitment and I hope communities across Gwent will join me in wishing them well.”