POLICE in Cwmbran probing a spate of car crime say up to two gangs could be targeting vehicles in the town.

Thefts from cars and damage to vehicles has increased rapidly in recent weeks and last weekend alone, a car dealership and ten private vehicles were targeted.

Waybern Car Sales, on Llantarnam Road, was raided overnight on Friday, in what police say was a planned attack.

Thieves used fence cutters to get into a secure compound, damaging two vehicles and stealing a Subaru Impreza.

The black Subaru 1.8, registration L465 GOM was worth £2,000.

A set of alloy wheels worth almost £400 was stolen from a fourth car, an Escort RS2000.

Waybern car salesman Wayne Gooding said: "This is a big setback for us. They must have known what they were doing because they moved two cars to get the Subaru out. And taking four wheels off a car is not an easy thing."

PC Darrell Dewar, crime and disorder reduction officer for Cwmbran, said police are concerned about the recent rise in car crime.

"There's no doubt vehicle crime has been on the increase," said PC Dewar.

"Vehicles are being targeted every night across Cwmbran but this weekend was particularly busy.

"We think a gang of youths are going around breaking into cars, stealing CD players and audio equipment. But the car dealer was probably targeted by a separate gang. That was not the work of an opportunist criminal but someone who planned their actions."

PC Dewar warned motorists not to leave valuables in their vehicles. "People are still leaving easy pickings for opportunist criminals," he said.

"Motorists have to be more security conscious and vigilant, and remember to remove their car stereos and other valuable items."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cwmbran police on 01633 838999.