CUTTING car crime is the aim of a new initiative launched in part of Gwent.

The scheme, by the Caerphilly division of Gwent police, has placed a new team of highly-trained police drivers who will be on call seven days a week at stations in Newbridge and Nelson.

It is hoped that the team of officers will enhance existing patrols through the use of high-performance cars. Over last weekend there were 16 incidents of car crime reported across the area and car crime accounts for 14% of all reported crime in the borough. Detective Inspector Peter Keen, of the divisions crime management unit, will head the new unit. He said: 'This team will assist local officers in tackling crime and will providing an immediate response to emergencies.

'We've achieved great results in reducing car crime so far and our aim is to frustrate the activities of car criminals.'

This initiative is one of several planned for the borough.