GWENT women are being warned to ensure they use council-appro-ved taxis following claims that hundreds of women are assaulted every year in unlicensed cabs.

Taxiwise, a national group campaigning to rid the streets of bogus taxis, says the attacks are happening every day across the country.

The group says around four women every month are being raped after accepting rides in unlicensed cabs in London.

Gwent Police community safety officer Sergeant Neil O'Connell said: "We would encourage people to use properly licensed vehicles or hackney carriages with plaques registered to local authorities.

"They are to ensure the hire service and driver are of the required standard."

He said there was a risk of sexual attack from unlicensed drivers as they were not checked by the local authority.

Sgt O'Connell said cab licences could be revoked if drivers had a criminal record.

Taxiwise spokesman Matthew Cheyne said: "These attacks are happening every day all over the country.

"It's a serious problem and one that must be eradicated. "We urge women to take a black cab where possible, or find a safer way home other than to take an illegal cab."

He said Metropolitan Police figures showed a total of 214 women - including 23 under the age of 18 - reported sexual assaults by illegal drivers in London last year.

Councillor Fred Sweeting, the chairman of Newport city council's licensing committee, said it was vital for public safety that all taxis were licensed. He said: "If we find evidence of unlicensed taxis we will prosecute. There is a sign on the top of a hackney carriage that will be illuminated when it is available."

He said the council is considering having white stickers for private-hire taxis to ensure the public knew they were licensed.