A CAMPAIGN to reduce car crime in a Teesside town is having mixed results.

Thefts from vehicles using Middlesbrough's car parks have plummeted because of a number of initiatives.

Owners are heeding warnings to lock any valuables out of sight when using the car parks, which are patrolled and monitored by cameras.

Help is also available at contact points in the car parks.

There were 471 incidents of vehicle crime in the town's car parks between July and September last year. But that fell to 321 in the last three months of last year.

However, Cleveland Police say they are concerned that the increased security in the car parks is leading criminals to target cars parked in the side streets.

An advertising trailer warning motorists to remove valuables from their cars has been touring the car parks since October.

Middlesbrough crime prevention officer Sergeant Glynn Bass says it is helping to get the message across.

He said: "I am pleased to be able to say that we have had only one vehicle crime in a car park when the trailer has been on view.

"Pay and display tickets also carry the same message. People are obviously taking our advice and we and the motorists are reaping the rewards of this success.''

The council has also focused on reducing crime in the car parks, spending money on security measures.

Sgt Bass said: "Secured car park status has been awarded to three of the main car parks in Middlesbrough - Hill Street Centre, Zetland car park and Captain Cooks Square - together with improvements in other local authority car parks which will hopefully help drive crime down further.''

He added: "Theft from cars is costly and can so easily be prevented. If the car stereo can be removed, take it out when you park, do not leave anything on view in the vehicle. Remove coats, wallets and mobile phones and take them with you when you leave."