Thieves target at least 12 vehicles in Newport
Police officers based in Newport are investigating after thieves broke into a number of vehicles in the area earlier this week.
At least 12 vehicles were either broken into or interfered with by the thieves between 10pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday. Thieves approached a number of vehicles parked in Edgmond and Tibberton and broke into them using a tool of some sort. Once inside the vehicles the thieves carried out a thorough search and then stole anything of value from inside before making off.
Seven or eight vehicles were successfully accessed by the thieves, while another four or five were damaged by the thieves but not entered.
Among the items stolen during these break-ins were a number of pairs of expensive sunglasses, two games consoles and also more than £250 in cash in total.
A police spokesman said:
"This is an extremely unusual series of incidents and therefore we have ensured that forensic officers have attended each report in an attempt to find additional evidence.
"The investigation is ongoing and although we are keeping an open mind, due to the close proximity of all the break-ins, we are looking at the possibility that they were all committed by the same thieves.
"These incidents once again show the importance of not leaving anything valuable in your vehicle when you park it up. Items generally stolen in this type of incident include mobile phones, sat navs and wallets or handbags and most offences are carried out by opportunist thieves.
"By removing anything of value from your vehicle, the risk of it being broken into is significantly reduced. Leaving valuable items inside, especially if they are on show, is an open invitation for thieves to break in.
"Anyone with information about these incidents in the Newport area is asked to contact investigating officers on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously 0800 555 111."
