Volunteers will keep an eye out for criminals

The new scheme involves volunteers watching over parked cars and liaising with police, as well as helping raise awareness of car crime amongst the public.

Vehicle crime accounts for about 20% of all recorded crime in the UK and is estimated to cost the country �3.5bn a year.

The project is a collaboration between Forest Enterprise, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Brecon police.

We are confident that criminals will be deterred by the presence of the volunteers Mansel Jones, Forest Enterprise

Mansel Jones, Forest Enterprise's area manager, said the secluded nature of the Brecon Beacons area draws visitors to the area but also makes them vulnerable to car crime.

"We are confident that criminals will be deterred by the presence of the volunteers," he said.

Crime Concerns

People watching the cars will include National Park volunteers, who will work on a rota basis.

Jon Pimm, Central Area Warden for the National Park, said it was distressing to see visitors' days spoiled by their cars being broken into.

People can leave their cars in safety and enjoy the National Park

"We want to see visitors being able to leave their cars safely and enjoy the National Park, and this scheme will go a long way towards making that a reality."

Jackie Heighway, Brecon police's community safety officer, said car crime had become a growing concern.

"This puts many people off walking in some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales," she said.

"The nature of the crime means the presence of volunteers should have a big effect on reducing car crime," she added.

Forest Enterprise has also donated a satellite phone, worth �1,300, which is important in an area which has poor conventional mobile phone reception.