ARGUS readers are being asked to help police hammer down the car crime figures in Pontypool and Cwmbran by identifying potential suspects. Operation Hammer is the latest initiative to tackle the problem of thefts of, and theft from, vehicles.

It follows the success of Operation Maple, the Gwent-wide anti-car crime initiative, which revealed car crime hotspots in Pontypool town centre, New Inn, Griffithstown, Sebastopol, Trevethin, Blaenavon and Pontnewydd.

Detective Inspector Paul Griffiths said: "This is a concerted effort from officers in Pontypool and Cwmbran to combat the scourge of car crime." He said officers were gathering information and intelligence on people suspected of commiting vehicle crime in the area, in order to "detect, prevent and reduce this problem".

He added: "We are appealing for help from readers to identify people in the Pontypool and Cwmbran areas that may be responsible for this type of crime."

The initiative, he said, would be run in a similar vein to Operation Maple - to build on its successes between August 2003 and January this year - but on a more local level.

Operation Hammer in being run under a wider multi-force initiative called Operation Arrowhead, which involves Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed Powys police forces, and the British Transport Police. It aims for local police divisions, such as Torfaen, to carry out initiatives that address their own unique problem areas.

Anyone with information can contact Pontypool police on 01495 232262, Cwmbran police on 01633 642090, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where you can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.