A CAR lock handout has reaped rewards in a vehicle crime hotspot.

The Government-funded scheme targeted owners of cars registered between 1990 and 1995, in the Millfield area of Sunderland.

Backed by Sunderland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and with a £12,500 grant from the Home Office's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF), it paid for 480 locks to be distributed to motorists in Millfield.

First figures suggest it has paid dividends, with police car crime statistics reflecting a 26.5 per cent reduction in comparison to last year.

Sergeant Alan McElvenny, who works on the scheme, said: "We wanted to show local people that we are not just about reacting to crime and chasing criminals, we can also be proactive, helping to tackle crime before it happens.

"It certainly has had a very positive impact on vehicle crime in our area."

Older vehicles are considered more at risk of theft because they have less sophisticated security devices.

A scheme in the Southwick area of Sunderland proved even more successful, with a 48 per cent reduction in vehicle thefts leading to the scheme being hailed an example of good practice nationwide by the Home Office.