Covert Cars Target Sat Nav Thefts

Gwent Police have started using covert "capture" cars, fitted with hidden cameras, to trap sat nav thieves.

The cars, which will be parked at different locations, also have satellite technology to notify officers when they are being tampered with.

Police are hoping the car will act as a deterrent to thieves. Officers will also be notifying owners if cars are spotted with valuables on display.

The method has cut car crime in force areas in England, police said.

Gwent Police are to issue cleaning wipes for motorists to remove residue left on windscreens and dashboards from satellite navigation systems.

They said criminals were targeting sat navs and looking for evidence of marks where they had been removed.

Car owners often hide these items underneath their seats or in their glove compartments rather than taking them out of their car as is advised by police, said the force.