A STRONG message is being sent out to motorists in Darlington to reduce car crime around the town centre.
Yellow signs are being put up in 20 streets this week warning motorists not to leave valuables on display for opportunist thieves.
Darlington's Community Safety Partnership (CPS) has launched the initiative with agencies including Darlington Borough Council, and is targeting several areas, including Borough Road and Bank Top.
Last financial year there were 1,654 thefts from cars in the borough, with the majority occurring in more central areas including Northgate and Lingfield.
Sergeant Paul Robinson, of the CSP, said 60 per cent of all car crimes were preventable.
About 150 signs are being attached to lampposts this week telling people to hide any valuables.
"It is amazing how complacent people can be. We once found an unlocked BMW with an X-Box lying on the back seat," said crime reduction officer Steve Rich.
He said thieves were operating in a band just outside the town centre, where the council's closed-circuit television ends, and people, particularly workers, tend to park.
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