4 July 2012 Last updated at 02:44 ET

Four forces from Wales and England form cross-border link

A new partnership has been formed between Welsh and English police forces in a bid to cut cross-border crime.

Operation Cross will see the Gwent and Dyfed Powys forces working more closely with their neighbours in Gloucestershire and West Mercia.

Officers working in an area next to another force will link daily with counterparts across the border.

They will share information and be on hand to offer assistance when necessary.

Chief Insp Dave Guiney, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: "Criminals operate without regard for police force boundaries, so we need to factor that in to our operations."

Insp Michael Boycott, of Gwent Police, added: "By working together in this way we hope to make things more seamless between counties and countries when it comes to chasing criminals."

The West Mercia force said it was "about breaking down those border barriers and working with other forces to help respond to incidents in communities that sometimes feel isolated.

"We aim to make the borders invisible because they are invisible to criminals."

Gloucestershire inspector, Calvin Owen, said: "We want people to see the same levels of service no matter where they live in areas bordering other forces, so if officers on one side of the border are committed elsewhere, then colleagues from the neighbouring force can be called on to assist."