GWENT Police launched an operation this week aimed at tackling crimes such as theft of metal.

The crackdown, named operation Kinetic, was launched across Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly and also aims to target theft of fuel and vehicle crimes.

Hotspots in the area have been identified and police will increase patrols in those areas over the coming weeks, hoping to deter and arrest criminals.

Theft of metal has increased greatly in recent months due to the rising price of lead, aluminium and copper, and this type of crime has increased in the area by 46 percent in January - April this year compared to the same time period last year.

Fuels thefts have also risen sharply in the past 12 months, up 34 percent on last year in the same period of time, not including drivers leaving garage forecourts without paying.

Superintendent Colin Jones said: "We are running this operation to target a number of crimes that are currently occurring regularly in the area.

"The operation will hopefully send a message to any criminals operating in the area that we are proactively working to target criminal activity and making it difficult for them to operate."

Thefts from vehicles and theft of vehicles is also set to be targeted, despite a drop in vehicle crime of 21.9 percent in the past three years and police will increase the number of stop checks on suspicious vehicles in the area.

Gwent police is asking the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity they see, including people stripping lead or lead flashing from the roofs of buildings, including churches and sheds.

Motorists are also being asked to secure their vehicles by removing any items that would attract thieves, closing windows, removing pull out radios and using the vehicle's alarm or immobiliser.