Police in Magor and Undy are reminding residents to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight.

Community Support Officers (CSOs) found 23 unlocked vehicles and 27 with valuables on display during 'Operation Handle', an initiative to reduce thefts.

The areas patrolled were Windsor Drive, Windsor Park, Windsor Gardens, Windsor Close, Blenheim Drive, Blenheim Gardens, Blenheim Court, Blenheim Avenue, Blenheim Close and Kensington Park, Tredegar Drive, Barons Court, Old Barn Court, The Paddocks, Park Court, St Mellons Close, Hunters Ridge and Badgers Walk.

Valuables left on display included golf clubs, laptops, keys, Sat Navs, purses and suitcases.

CSOs Ruth and Hayley spoke to 46 residents in person over the weekend to give crime prevention advice.

The four residents who were not at home received letters explaining the risk of leaving their vehicles unlocked or valuables on display.

Residents were also signed up to OWL, the Online Watch Link which aims to improve communication about crime trends and crime prevention advice between local residents and the police.

CSO Hayley Brown said: "We wanted to run this initiative following a number of thefts from vehicles in the area in recent months.

"We were disappointed to see so many vehicles left unlocked or with valuables clearly on display, that's like an open invitation for an opportunist thief.

"We were glad to offer advice to residents and everyone we spoke to was very grateful for our feedback and crime prevention advice.

"Operation Handle will continue over the next few months, but please could we remind all residents to play their part in stopping these thefts."

If you would like crime prevention advice or to sign up to OWL, contact Ruth or Hayley at Magor Police Station by calling 01633 882577.

If you see anything suspicious in your area, call 101 to report it or if you think a crime is taking place dial 999.