Byline: By COLIN HUGHES Western Mail

Tips on keeping criminals at bay have been passed on from the best possible source - inside.

The old, and new, inmates serving porridge at Swansea have lent some expert guidance to a new crime prevention publication.

It is believed to be the first time in the UK for offenders to co-operate in this way - however unlikely it may seem.

As a result - and to repay the inmates' invaluable assistance - the booklet will be launched at Swansea Prison next Monday.

The prison worked with Swansea Council's Community Safety Unit to produce the publication for the Safer Swansea Partnership.

The move is part of an initiative aimed at improving inmates' literary skills to help equip them for employment at the end of their sentence.

Research has shown that this in turn can help reduce crime as being in work often means that offenders are less likely to return to their bad old ways.

In addition, they have been able to appreciate, perhaps for the first time, how their crimes affected the victims and so the exercise has given them a chance to show they are turning over a new leaf.

The booklet provides 'expert' tips and advice on how to steer clear of crimes such as burglary, fraud, violence and car theft - all backed by the very personal real-life experiences of the contributors. …