Police are warning motorists to be vigilant after a spate of number plate thefts.

The warning comes after eight reported thefts of number plates within the last week, with peak areas including Bargoed, Bedwas, Risca and Ystrad Mynach.

Detective Inspector Nick Wilkie, of Gwent Police, said: “Stolen index plates may be used to disguise the identity of cars used in a wide range of crimes, such as the theft of fuel from forecourts, avoidance of speeding charges and parking fines, vehicle cloning, ram raids and burglary.

“We’re urging people to contact us if they do have their number plates stolen. It may seem trivial at the time, but it’s no fun if you start receiving fixed penalty fines or are suspected of committing serious crimes yourself as a result.”