LAST year, more than 2,800 cars in the Newport area were stolen or had property stolen from inside them, new figures show.

And with Christmas approaching, police are anxious to point out that thieves are looking forward to the festive season just as eagerly as shoppers. Officers say that in 2000, a total of 1,769 cars were broken into and had items stolen from them across Newport.

The figures show: Central Newport was worst hit, with 455 cars broken into. Maindee was second worst affected, with 429 incidents. Alway had 345 break-ins. Bettws area was the least badly affected, with 190 incidents.

A further 1,044 vehicles were stolen entirely, and the figures followed a similar trend. Central Newport area reported 293 cars being stolen and Maindee 249, while in Pill 196 were stolen, in Bettws 160 and Alway had the fewest thefts, with 146 vehicles stolen.

To help raise awareness of car crime, Newport Crime Prevention together with Halfords and fire and security firm ADT are giving away prizes including a mountain bike, a steering lock and a portable television.

A series of car crime awareness days and evenings will take place in John Frost Square every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

Crime Prevention officer PC Nigel Davies said: "There will be a police officer there as well as the crime prevention panel and somebody from Newport Neighbourhood Watch. "We've arranged a small quiz competition where there are two questions to answer. It's an awareness competition and the deadline is December 13.

"The biggest problem in Newport is still theft from motor vehicles. We say: lock it away because if a thief can't see it, they can't steal it.

"Fourteen per cent of thefts still involve mobile phones and that's closely followed by computer equipment - laptops, palmtops or anything else that's left lying about.

"Wheels and tyres still get stolen, as well, and we have had cars stolen from outside garages and newsagents with the keys still in the ignition.

"People should try to park their car where there is good lighting. If you can have a lock on the steering wheel it makes thieves realise that you have thought about security."