CRIME in Caldicot and Chepstow has risen by more than a third since this time last year.

Sgt Phil Purcell, the neighbourhood sergeant, told Caldicot Town Council, on Wednesday that both towns had seen an increase in crime since April. He said shops in Caldicot had reported more incidents of shoplifting but said the number of house burglaries were right down at the moment.

Shoplifting has gone up by 10 crimes in the two areas for April, May and June 2015 compared to the same period last year.

From April to June 2014 there were 158 crimes recorded in Caldicot and 157 in Chepstow. Crime increased by 36.7 per cent in both areas in the same time period this year.

He said: "It has a lot to do with how the government have asked us to record our crimes."

"Caldicot has a small number in comparison with a number of other places - it doesn't take many to give you a third.

"In terms of staffing, the inspector is trying to get more staff here but our CSOs work very hard."

There were 211 crimes recorded in Caldicot compared with 247 in Chepstow. The most crimes were recorded in April 2015 with 72 in Caldicot and 85 in Chepstow.

Sgt Purcell said that Caldicot's priority from the Gwent Police's your voice survey was speeding and said they are looking to set up a community speed watch scheme in Caldicot as well as Magor and Undy.

Cllr Dave Evans, mayor of Caldicot, said: "It is a concern. To be fair about it Severnside is an easy target for people coming into the area from the bridge or Newport.

“I think it’s partly down to cuts to the police they only get a small amount of manpower on the ground.

“Our police station is only open for a few hours on a Tuesday. It is not enough.”

He said he would be happy to look into the possibility of the council funding a CSO officer.

He said: “If something could be brought to the table the town council could look into it. I would be happy to put it on the agenda.”