COMMUTERS parking in Cwmbran railway station are providing rich pickings for a gang of thieves, police warn.

Officers have stepped up patrols at the station car park following recent vehicle break-ins, and believe a gang of three white youths with shaven heads is targeting the area.

The railway station is used widely by commuters - and many users leave their cars unattended overnight.

There were three break-ins over the weekend - but police say there have been a high number of thefts there in recent months.

In the latest thefts, one car was broken into and a stereo cover was stolen.

But a thief was disturbed and chased by a member of the public after he was seen trying to break into a car.

He managed to get away but did drop a vital piece of evidence - a screwdriver he may have used to get into the car.

Although railway property falls under the jurisdiction of the British Transport Police, Gwent Police also deal with incidents at the station because it is so close to the car park of Cwmbran police station.

Constable Richie Cowan was on patrol at the railway station this week to warn motorists of the dangers that exist and to give tips on how to make life difficult for thieves.

"The thieves seem to be targeting this area late at night when there are no people around.

"Cwmbran station is quite deserted at night - there are only a few taxi drivers and passengers around and the public do not use it because there is no real access anywhere apart from the railway platform.

"People can make their cars safer by making sure they lock all their doors and the boot; they put all valuables out of sight, such as in the boot; make sure an alarm or immobiliser is activated; use security locks on the steering-wheel and handbrake and make sure all windows and sunroofs are closed."

PC Cowan said a professional thief can get into any car in three seconds, but he believes the gang targeting the railway station are amateurs.

Witnesses to the break-ins or anyone with information can contact Cwmbran police on (01633) 838999.