A FURTHER theft has been committed in Osbaston, with Monmouth MP David Davies worried it could be connected to a concerning spate of burglaries.

The theft of tools from a van parked on Hereford Road in Monmouth earlier this month is the latest incident to be reported to Gwent Police.

It was previously reported how 200 people attended a public meeting, called by Mr Davies, to update residents on the progress being made by officers following 23 burglaries in the area in the past eight months.

Mr Davies said the area is being targeted by a highly professional gang of criminals and that it is causing residents a great deal of concern but said officers are carrying out high- visibility patrols and are continuing to investigate the burglaries.

But Gwent Police said the theft is not being connected to the spate of burglaries. It saw a chain saw and strimmer stolen from a white VW van while parked on Hereford Road between midday and 1pm on February 5.

Mr Davies is urging people to be vigilant and to make a note of any suspicious callers or people in the area.

He said: “The theft is another sign that thieves are operating in the same area and perhaps there could be a connection?”

“Please take steps to ensure your property is kept secure at all times, if you need further advice on this contact your local officers.”

Officers are offering free crime prevention surveys to all residents of Monmouth. The free half hour long surveys will be carried out by specially-trained officers from Gwent Police and aim to show local residents how they can improve the security of their homes and identify any potential areas of insecurity.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 262 05/02/15