Through the roof (From Free Press Series)

Through the roof

POLICE are targeting known criminals following a weekend of car crime that has left motorists counting the costs.

Pontypool police are planning to mount an operation dedicated to slashing the rate of car crime, and targeting car crime hot spots after the Pontypool was targeted by vandals over the weekend.

Crime and disorder reduction officer at Pontypool, PC Andrew Cleaton, said: "Police are actively seeking a number of suspects believed to be responsible for the recent vehicle crime and we will be mounting pro-active covert and overt patrols, targeting specific areas."

Griffithstown was hit by a plethora of incidents as vehicles were smashed, broken into and stolen between Friday night and Monday morning.

Ten cars on Station Street, Stafford Road and Greenhill Road suffered damage to their ignition systems when thieves broke in to grab anything they could get, from CDs to novelty items.

Thieves broke into a vehicle on Cwrdy Road and took a JVC CD from one vehicle, and another car on Commercial Street had several items stolen from it.

Police also received reports of three men breaking into a VW Golf at Newlands Court, George Street, Pontnewynydd. Nothing was stolen as the car alarm deterred the would-be thieves.

But one hour later, three men wearing baseball caps were seen trying to break into vehicles on nearby Merchants Hill Close.

But a Corsa believed to have been stolen from Wainfelin earlier that night was recovered.

In Abersychan, a Fiesta was set alight and destroyed and thieves broke into and damaged another car, just for the loose change in the ashtray.

While in Blaenavon a car traced to the Blaina area was burnt out and found early on Friday evening.

A blue Yamaha moped was stolen from a driveway in Trevethin and later found with extensive damage.

Police have urged motorists to tighten security measures to deter opportunistic thieves. PC Cleaton said: "A criminal will look at a vehicle and instantly see an opportunity either to steal it, or something from it."

To deter thieves, police advice is: * Do not leave any belongings in the car * Lock all doors and windows. * Take the face off the stereo. * Use security devices, such as steering locks and immobilisers.