Police are using the power of advertising to alert a town's motorists to a "major increase'' in car crime.

Radio adverts will be broadcast and posters placed on the backs of buses and lamp posts in hot spot areas of Middlesbrough, favoured by smash-and-grab thieves targeting parked cars.

High visibility police patrols and specialist surveillance units using decoy cars, rigged with cameras, as well as police community support officers and council street wardens are watching the town's streets at times, when it is thought thieves are most likely to strike.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "Over the last three months there has been a major increase in car crime.''

The "Give car crime the boot in Middlesbrough'' adverts target car thieves while appealing to motorists to help themselves by not leaving saleable items on view in their cars.

Acting Chief Inspector Charlie Bell explained: "We are launching the radio campaign to help hammer home our message. Hopefully many motorists will hear this message as they are driving their cars and pay particular heed to the fact that if they don't act their vehicle could be stolen or badly damaged and valuables left inside, taken.

"It only takes a few seconds to remove items of value and find a safe place to leave your vehicle. It's not rocket science, it's common sense and common sense can help us drive car crime from our streets.''

Car crime has risen by more than a third in the town centre, in recent months. It rose 37 per cent between October and December last year, compared to the same period the previous year.

Thieves are stealing car stereos, mobile phones and laptops from cars.

Mr Bell said: "This campaign is a long term look at the problem Middlesbrough suffers with vehicle crime. The key to us combating the rise is for the people of the town to also take ownership of the problem.

"We need them to help themselves by ensuring their cars are locked and secure and that they don't leave property on display in their cars, by parking in well lit areas and by fitting a good quality security device or immobiliser.''