POLICE officers in Abergavenny are reminding residents to check their cars to make sure no valuables are on display following a recent spate of car breaks.

There has been a 51 per cent increase in thefts from vehicles in the last month – that's 13 more offences in Abergavenny. Thieves have been smashing the windows of cars to steal valuables that have been left on display.

Detective Inspector Mark Pope said: "We have seen incidents of car owners leaving expensive possessions like laptops, cameras and handbags on display when they have left their cars in car parks and on their driveways.

 "We are urging car owners to remain vigilant and make sure they take all valuables with them when they are leaving their cars, even if they are away for a short time."

 Gwent Police say: Always try to park where the vehicle is not hidden from view.

Always use your garage to park your car if you have one.

Make sure you take valuables with you when you leave your car. If this isn't possible, hide them from view in your boot.

Remove all possessions, even things that you don't think are valuable – thieves will smash your car window for a few coins or an old jumper you leave on the back seat!

If you have a car alarm, make sure you activate it before leaving your car.

If you use a satnav, make sure you wipe the suction marks from your windscreen. This is often a tell tale sign to thieves that an expensive satnav is stored in the car.

Always take the front cover from your stereo if possible.

Post Code your valuables using a UV pen.

Photograph valuable items, especially electrical equipment so that they can be easily identified in case they are stolen.

Anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood should report it to Gwent Police as soon as possible.

If you have any information regarding these incidents, then please contact 101 or the Abergavenny Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01495 233917.