TRADERS in Chepstow have set up a neighbourhood watch-type scheme following a spate of thefts from antique shops.

Hundreds of pounds worth of goods have gone missing from several stores in the town centre and shop owners believe they know who is responsible.

The traders have set up a 'phone-chain' to alert each other whenever they see the youths or anyone suspicious in the area.

Maxine Jones, who owns Kreations gift and coffee shop in St Mary's Street with her husband Dave, said: "We have reported £250 worth of goods stolen to the police in the last couple of weeks.

"Since being stolen some of the items have been offered to other traders. Youths are stealing from one shop and then trying to sell the goods just across the road."

She said traders decided to set up phone chain to try to help police catch the criminals.

"The police can't be everywhere at once. But I don't think we're going to prevent this happening unless these kids are caught and banned from the town." As well as Kreations, the phone-chain involves Foxgloves Antiques, Chepstow Bygones and St Mary's Street Collectables.

Roger Wilce, part-owner of Chepstow Bygones, said: "I've had £120 worth nicked in two weeks and that could just be the stuff we know about. "We've never had any problems here before this last fortnight.

"We've arranged to phone each other as a warning that the perpetrators are in town but it shouldn't be like this."

Lyn Pring, of St Mary's Street Collectables, said she was recently offered several items by a youth but declined to buy them.

Detective Sergeant Dave Edwards of Chepstow, said: "Any crime prevention schemes taken on by traders to protect their properties are welcomed by the police force."