A spate of professionally executed house burglaries in Monmouth is creating a "climate of fear" among residents warns MP David Davies.

He spoke out as police swamped the streets of Osbaston following a further break-in last week.

"Several residents have now been in touch and they are understandably worried about the alarming number of burglaries taking place," said Mr Davies, who lives in the area with his family.

"From talking informally to the police, there has been very little forensic evidence left behind and it seems this is the handiwork of

professional criminals."

A meeting called by police saw 117 concerned residents agree that every one should be more vigilant and become 'nosy neighbours',

keeping an eye on each others

property and reporting anything out of the ordinary.

While Mr Davies welcomed the high-visibility police patrols

currently being carried out, he said "much more" needed to be done to catch the perpetrators.

"The thieves are carefully

targeting houses in which the

owners are out, either for the evening or on holiday," he added.

"It occurs to me that in order to ensure houses are empty, it is quite possible they have been knocking on people's doors with some pretext.  

"They would certainly have to be walking or driving around and would possibly stand out in an area where many of us know each other by sight.

"I think it would be a good idea for residents in Osbaston to make a careful note of any unusual callers to their homes and hand this information over to the police.

"It is almost certain that without realising it, someone will have seen these burglars."

Mr Davies said he will be asking to meet the officers in charge of the investigation to discuss further measures which could be taken.

County Councillor Bob Hayward had received many phone calls and emails from residents who are

naturally concerned. He said: "Osbaston has been generally crime free for a long time and is a

pleasant place to live.

"I have written to both the Police Commissioner and Monmouthshire County Council and asked that they provide some police activity and longer lighting in an effort to deter criminal activity."

Cllr Haywood continued: I am sure residents will be keeping a careful watch on neighbour's property and will challenge people who appear to be out of place."

A spokesman for Gwent Police said that they have had 13 burglaries reported in the Osbaston area between 1st June and 17th November.

"We are running operations and carrying out high visibility patrols in the area. Our neighbourhood policing team have been carrying out crime prevention surgeries in the area and officers are available to visit people in their own homes to conduct surveys on their properties and give advice on improving security.

If anyone has any concerns or would like more information we would encourage them to contact their local team by visiting http://www.gwent.police.uk">www.gwent.police.uk or call 101."

Items have been stolen from properties on Auden Close, Hereford Road, Wallis Close and Highfield Road.

Jewellery and electrical items were stolen from Auden Close; tools were stolen from Hereford Road; a TV and Ford Fiesta were stolen from Wallis Close and a VW Passat was stolen from Highfield Road.

Sometime between Saturday 1st and Wednesday 5th November several items were stolen from a property on Highfield Road including a Royal Red Cross Military medal.

A laptop was stolen from a property in Vine Acre, Hereford Road on Saturday 16th August sometime between the hours of 1.30pm and 5.30pm. Jewellery was taken during a burglary in Hook Close overnight 3rd – 4th October.

A number of items including jewellery, ornaments and an iPad were taken during a burglary at Toynebee Close 4th – 6th October.

Jewellery was stolen during a burglary in Prospect Road sometime between 12th – 15th October.

Clothing was stolen in a burglary on Prospect Road sometime between 11th – 15th October while a car, a white BMW, was stolen, in a burglary on Charles Close sometime between 12th – 14th November.

Nothing was taken during a break in at Dixton Close 3rd – 6th October.

There was also a burglary at Charles Close between 13th – 14th November and police are still awaiting clarity on what was taken.