CAR thieves will be "back with a vengeance" this summer, Gwent Police's assistant chief constable warned yesterday.

Speaking at the launch of County Car Park Watch, Bill Horne said the number of car crime incidents has dropped from 781 to just over 500 in three years. But he warned that this drop could be due to last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak, which meant fewer visitors to Monmouth.

He said: "Car Park Watch has played a significant part in lowering the number of thefts from cars in Monmouthshire.

"We have also seen a 19 per cent drop in the number of cars being stolen, which has a major impact on offending in the area.

"We are driving away criminals and reducing the number of crime victims - this also convinces tourists that Monmouthshire is a good place to come back to."

The scheme - which is a partnership of 22 organisations - will increase the number of high-profile patrols by police, offer advice, pay for more signs in car parks, hand out leaflets urging owners to be aware of crime and create covert surveillance operations.

TV journalist Nick Partridge was filmed stealing a car in Usk which had been fitted with a Tracker system. The Tracker sends out a signal to receivers, which then pinpoint the location of the car. Gwent Police's helicopter found the car in less than an hour.

* In the picture: At Chepstow Racecourse are: (from left) PC Edwin Gulliford, Chief Superintendent Joy Loft and Assistant Chief Constable Bill Home.