ABSENT-minded villagers are making life easy for thieves, say police.

Unlocked cars and sheds in Magor and Undy make tempting targets for travelling thieves who take advantage of the villages' location near the M4.

Inspector Mark Pope of Gwent Police said:?"People are leaving items such as laptops on display in their cars or leaving sheds open.

"They have to ensure they secure their items."

Sergeant Roland Giles of Caldicot Police told Magor with Undy Community Council that the police trying to raise awareness of the importance of security.

He said:?"We have knocked on 2,000 doors in the last three months and we now have hundreds of people in Neighbourhood Watch."

•Gwent Police have designed a free app with useful information about the force.

It includes names and contact details of all neighbourhood police officers and details of local priorities and public meetings.

The app, which has been developed in-house is currently only available for iPhones and iPads but it is hoped to make it available for other devices.

Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston said: "This is an exciting new initiative for Gwent Police and will help to keep smart phone and tablet users in touch with local issues and give them the ability to contact their local officers. In addition the app provides an invaluable channel for officers to provide information and advice during major incidents or events.

"The app won't replace other forms of communication such as face to face briefings, newsletters, local surgeries and social media, but will in fact complement these existing channels."