POLICE have urged motorists to help themselves to avoid falling victim to crime after figures showed a large increase in vehicle thefts across the region.

A survey by the RAC found vehicle thefts in England and Wales increased by almost a third in just three years with 85,688 vehicles being stolen last year.

Northumbria Police saw the greatest increase between 2013 and 2016, a 30 per cent rise from 383 thefts to 499.

Next came Cleveland Police which recorded 637 thefts in 2013, a figure which had increased to 752 last year, an 18 per cent rise.

Durham Police experienced a 12 per cent rise in recorded vehicle thefts, from 596 to 666 last year and North Yorkshire five per cent, from 491 to 514.

The RAC sent Freedom of Information requests for the figures and received responses from 40 police forces.

RAC insurance director Mark Godfrey said: “We fear thieves are now becoming more and more well equipped with technology capable of defeating car manufacturers’ anti-theft systems.”

Mr Godfrey suggested motorists were increasingly resorting to visible anti-theft devices to protect their vehicles, such as steering wheel locks which were thought to have gone out fashion.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: “The theft of vehicles is an ongoing issue across the country and we urge all owners to take steps to protect their vehicles.”

The spokeswoman said motorists should always leave their vehicle locked and alarmed and, if possible, fit an immobiliser, which cuts off the engine should a break-in occur.

Other advice includes parking in a locked garage or other secure area if you have one, or in a well-lit open space if not.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said unlocked and insecure vehicles were one of the main methods that thieves used to steal vehicles.

She said: “Other methods include damaging vehicles to gain entry and taking vehicle keys during burglaries.

“Officers use crime prevention tools, social media sites and messages through local media to remind people to keep both the doors and windows of their vehicles and properties locked and valuables out of view in order to deter thieves.

“Crime prevention advice can help people prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime.”

A Durham Police spokeswoman said: “We proactively work to reduce vehicle thefts through the intelligence we receive. This helps give us an insight into the areas where we need to direct our efforts.

“On the wider point of vehicle security, we have had an issue with cars being left unlocked overnight in certain areas.

"While this has improved following a policy of education, we would urge all owners to be vigilant and lock their doors. By working together we can ensure there are fewer victims of this type of crime.

“Anyone who does see anything suspicious should report it on the non-emergency 101 number.”