POLICE launched a joint Christmas anti-crime campaign with the slogan "Don't have a nightmare this Christmas."

This year the initiative has made use of a series of Christmas films and posters to provide advice about vehicle crime, burglary, theft of personal belongings, personal safety and alcohol related violence.

Two of Gwent's most senior police figures launched the Christmas safety partnership with South Wales Police today.

For the second year running, the two forces will work together to encourage people to stay safe in the run-up to the Christmas and New Year period.

Gwent Police Chief Constable Carmel Napier, and the recently elected Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, Ian Johnston, launched the campaign during a visit to the Asda supermarket in Pill, Newport.

Community Support Officers from the Pill Neighbourhood Policing Team also spoke to shoppers about keeping their belongings safe during the festive season.

Gwent Police Chief Constable Carmel Napier said: "The film-inspired Christmas campaign aims to provide local communities with a range of crime prevention tips, to help keep them safe over the Christmas and New Year period.

"This is typically a busy time of year for the police and emergency services, and we want to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable festive season."

Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston said the campaign will help remind people of the simple measures they can take to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime over the Christmas period.

What you can do to have a safer Christmas

THEFT

Record your phone's IMEI number by typing in *#06# into your handset. You'll need it to cancel your phone if gets lost or stolen.

Register your property for free visit www.immobilise.com Burglary: - Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries if you go away for Christmas.

Install a visible burglar alarm.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Make sure your phone credit is topped up and battery is charged before going out.

Always keep spare cash to get home safely, never walk home alone and keep to well-lit streets.

Have your house keys ready before you reach the door, and carry them with you, not in your bag.

VEHICLE CRIME

Remove satellite navigation devices and their holders, as well as the marks the holders often leave behind on windscreens. Don’t leave your satellite navigation device in the glove compartment or under the seat - take it with you.

If you hear a car alarm in your neighbourhood, and it doesn’t turn off after a short time, check to see if you can see anything suspicious. If you see or hear anything suspicious, report it to Gwent Police on 101.