POLICE in Caldicot are encouraging residents to 'lock each time to cut crime', following a number of thefts relating to insecure premises and vehicles.

Over the past three months, almost 40 per cent of burglaries and theft from vehicles in the Severnside area which includes Caldicot, Caerwent, Magor, Portskewett and Undy, have occurred due to owners leaving doors or windows unlocked.

PS Roland Giles, Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Severnside says: "Monmouthshire is a very safe place to live but there are steps we can all take to make it even safer.

"Always lock your house, garage and car doors, and make sure windows are shut when you're not around, even if you're just popping out or parking the car for a few moments.

"Never leave any items in reach of an open window and always lock all your belongings in the boot of your car or take them with you.  Please don't give opportunistic thieves the chance!"

Residents can also join the other 3100 Monmouthshire residents on OWL, the on-line Neighbourhood Watch scheme, by going to http://www.owl.co.uk/gwent">www.owl.co.uk/gwent