Top car parks - for crooks

FROM drug users' needles to petty vandalism, we've discovered some car parks where you really wouldn't want to leave your car for even a few hours - let alone overnight.

But shoppers needn't despair, there are car parks in Gwent where security systems are helping protect users' vehicles. And our Car Safe campaign aims to get many more car park owners to follow their example.

The Argus Car Safe main objective to drive down the sharply rising crime figures for car crime in Gwent.

The car park operators say they want to help but few have CCTV cameras and security staff.

But Newport city council is taking action after the shocking discovery of 200 used syringes in one public car park.

The needles were found in the city centre Cambrian multi-storey car park on Wednesday.

And yesterday city transport chief Graham Dally, whose remit extends to cover car parks, told the Argus security patrols would now operate overnight on a permanent basis.

"I welcome the campaign and there does seem to be a link between car crime and drugs," he said.

"We found 200 syringes around the area of the car park and so I have called in overnight guards to sort out the drug problem."

He said it was important because drugs and car crime were related. The Monnow Way car park at the junction with Pentwyn Lane, Bettws, is another crime hotspot.

Bettws councillor Noel Trigg says the car park is in desperate need of lighting as people are too afraid to use it at night for fear of car crime.

"It's a waste as there are at least 40 spaces and it's not being used at night," he added.

One of the most crime-hit car parks we discovered was Maryport Street north car park in Usk.

Town councillor, Roger Gallatley, said: "It's notorious in the town and last November, after Remembrance Sunday, 16 vehicles were vandalised in one night. We have made representations to the police and the town council has been given assurance there will be more patrols."

Ebbw Vale multi-storey car park, in Market Square, is set to be replaced. Ward councillor, Karen Williams, said: "We do have problems on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park with cars being burnt out, but that's going to be refurbished.

"But I think with regard to car crime it just happens wherever it takes their fancy.

"I walked into town last weekend and there was a car vandalised on the area of land next to the doctor's surgery."

Abertillery's multi-storey is also a problem.

Ward councillor, Royston Welch, said: "It's so bad people don't even park there any more. We've got CCTV cameras through the town, with one positioned looking at the car park which is monitored 24-hours-a-day.

"It's also well lit, but the problems haven't gone away."

Blaenau Gwent council has introduced a by-law for the multi-storey, banning people from hanging around it.

There is also a barrier, and one of the town centre's CCTV cameras is trained on the car park.

"The council has done everything it can to assist, it's now down to the police," he said.

Councillor Frederick Bacon, one of the Cwmbran representatives on Torfaen council, said: "Nowhere is safe.

"Personally I would be willing to pay to use a car park if it was going to be safer, as long as it's not a ridiculous amount.

"I think we would all say that. When you finish work, you expect to go to the car park and for your car to still be there, or at least not damaged in any way." But it's not all gloom - there are car parks where the car thieves are being driven out, thanks to better security and crime-busting initiatives.

The NCP multi-storey car park, in Newport city centre has had just one break-in this year and only two in 2002. Barrier systems and good lighting ensure thieves are rarely tempted.

Festival Park Shopping Centre car park, Ebbw Vale, is the only car park in Gwent to get the police-approved Secure Car Park Award. The 1,200-space car park is closed at night, has CCTV cameras and regular patrols.

Car park manager Mickey Morris said: "Around the clock security and lights that are left on permanently ensure we put off the criminals."

The Riverside car park, Pontypool wins praise from police for the way crime levels have dropped.

Gwent community safety officer Sgt Neil O'Connell said: "It was a dreadful car park for car crime and people would not use it because of the risk.

"It's made a difference just by improving lighting and strategically positioning the security cameras."

The free car park is closed at night and has regular security patrols.

The General Rees car park and the Lllewellyn car park, both in Cwmbran, offer free parking and are close to achieving the Secured Car Park Award from police.

Stores also take their customers' car safety seriously.

Sainsbury at Heidenheim Drive, Newport, has security guards and CCTV. Spytty Leisure Park complex, Newport has security guards who patrol the car park to deter thieves.

Harlech Retail Park, Car-diff Road, Newport, also has low car crime rates.

PICTURED: Bettws car park, Newport