POLICE today named a burglar who failed to return to an open prison more than two weeks ago - and want to question him about a burglary.

Paul Meek, 21, is thought to be hiding in the Cwmbran area after he walked out of Prescoed open prison in Usk on February 23 less than a year into his sentence.

He went with a second man whose details were not being released today. Only last week residents and councillors met Prisons Minister Paul Goggins to try to persuade him to reverse the government's policy of sending sex offenders to Prescoed.

Mr Goggins revealed then that two prisoners had not returned but officials refused to say anything else at the time.

Today they would only say the second man was not a sex offender either. Superintendent Jon Burley said: "We're seeking to trace Meek in connection with information surrounding the burglary of commercial premises in Cwmbran.

"If it becomes necessary to release further information on the other absconder or anything else, we will."

Usk town councillor Tony Kear met Mr Goggins last week and said: "Any abscond from HMP Prescoed gives serious concerns to the local community."

Monmouth AM David Davies said: "This shows people will escape from Prescoed and there's little to stop them. The worry is that Meek's apparent success may encourage others."

Prescoed prison governor Phil Morgan said: "It's an open prison so there's nothing physical to stop a prisoner absconding. But we have the best abscond record in the country. We have 170 prisoners here for a variety of offences and these are the first two absconders since last October which is an outstanding record."

Meek was sentenced to three years imprisonment last July for burglary. He was part of a gang of thieves who pleaded guilty to stealing more than £12,000 worth of cigarettes in night raids on stores in Newport, Caerleon, Cwmbran and Croesyceiliog in January and February 2004.

Anyone with information should call Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.