MOTORISTS in Monmouthshire and Torfaen are being advised not to leave property in their vehicles to help combat car thieves.

Despite a five per cent reduction in reports of theft from motor vehicles in the division between January and last Monday, police are warning car owners to be vigilant. Police say thefts can be expensive and easily avoided with a few simple precautions.

They are urging people not to leave expensive equipment including satellite navigation systems, stereos and mobile phones in their cars.

Inspector Dave Moses, from Monmouthshire and Torfaen Community Safety Unit, said: "More and more people have expensive satellite navigation systems, stereos and mobile phones to use in their cars and I would say that if residents think they are essential items for their car, so does a thief.

"Don't make it easy for thieves: remove all items from your vehicle; take the satellite navigation system out and your mobile phone.

"Install a face-off stereo and again, never leave goods in an unoccupied vehicle. I would also suggest when leaving your car unoccupied, leave the glove box open and empty so thieves can see you are not concealing anything and will not be tempted to break into the vehicle."

For more information on crime prevention, call a crime and disorder reduction officer at your local police station on 01633 838111.