Gwent Police launch high-tech war on thieves (From South Wales Argus)

Gwent Police launch high-tech war on thieves

1:20pm Tuesday 6th January 2009 in News By South Wales Argus Newsdesk

VEHICLE thieves and shoplifters in Gwent are being targeted by police.

Extra officers are being used this week to capture cars and use specialist number plate recognition equipment to find stolen goods and return them to their rightful owners.

Detective Inspector Peter Jones, who is leading the operation, said this is a response to the increase in thefts from vehicles during the run-up to Christmas.

He said: "We know that thieves are stealing number plates, sat navs, audio equipment like CD players and mobile phones. We also know they are selling them on and are working with second hand shops to stop that."

People can register their valuables on the specially designed Immobilise.com website so their goods can be returned if stolen.

Officers from the community safety team will also be out in January showing shoppers how to register their valuables.

Inspector Terry Davies from the team said: " We are concerned that the credit crunch may be leading more people to risk buying dodgy goods which could have been stolen, to save money."

Detectives will be using capture cars, which are vehicles packed with goods inside them to attract thieves at key locations.

These vehicles are equipped with video cameras to record thieves breaking in and help to create a quick arrest.

Officers may also carry out raids on the homes or premises of suspects.