MOTORISTS in Gwent are being urged to take simple car safety advice to beat the thieves.
The government has launched a £5million campaign in an attempt to reduce vehicle crime.
Last year there were more than 7,000 vehicle crime incidents in Gwent, which included thefts of cars and theft of property from vehicles.
This is a reduction of 13 per cent on the previous year.
But it is still a very serious problem.
Crime reduction director for Wales David A'Herne said: "Vehicle crime is at its lowest point in 20 years but it is still a very serious problem.
"There are over two and a half million vehicle-related thefts and it accounts for nearly a fifth of all recorded crime, costing about £3.4billion a year."
The campaign stresses that most car criminals are opportunist and motorists can reduce their risk of car crime by taking a few simple steps:
Never leave personal items on display, never leave your car unlocked and a have an approved security device fitted professionally.
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