CWMBRAN police have set up a 12-man operation to tackle a spate of handbag snatches occurring with "alarming frequency" in the town.

Operation Ghost is investigating six bag thefts in less than a month, with two in one day last week, targeting "lone, vulnerable women".

One elderly woman is still in hospital after receiving "substantial injuries" during a mugging.

Detective Inspector Paul Evans said: "In the two-and-a-half years I have been here, I have seen the odd theft from supermarket trolleys, but we have had nothing like this here.

"There were three in the last week, which is obviously worrying.

"At times, nothing is taken, but in one theft, he took £200. This type of offence and its alarming frequency is new to Cwmbran."

* At 3.50pm, on June 12, at the Lockgate Retail Park car park, a 65-year-old woman had her bag snatched from the boot of her car as she loaded her shopping. A fellow shopper chased the man, but he escaped.

* On June 21, at around 3.15pm, a 58-year-old woman was returning home along a wooded pathway at Ty Gwyn Way when the thief tore her bag from her shoulder with such force that the strap snapped.

* At 11.40am, on June 27, a woman aged 79 was pushed over from behind in the subway leading under Fairwater Way and as she fell, the man stole her bag. She is still in hospital.

* A 70-year-old was robbed of her £200 pension only seconds after she had collected it from Maendy Way Post Office, on July 8, at 9.30am, as she walked along Greenwood Avenue.

* On July 10, there was an attempted theft at 10.30am involving a 65-year-old woman on a pathway between Ty Mynydd Maen Road and Cadoc Road.

Another followed at 4pm on Thornhill Road, leaving a 78-year-old woman injured as the thief twisted her arm to take her bag.

Police said they are investigating whether there is one or more attackers.

They are linking some of the earlier incidents, but say they are as yet unsure about whether the later muggings are linked.

Det Insp Evans urged women to be vigilant and appealed for information, particularly from people who would not normally help the police.

He added: "This is an absolutely despicable crime and the person or persons responsible must be caught as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cwmbran police on 01633 838999, or Detective Sergeant Bill Davies in confidence on 01633 642071.