HUNDREDS of pounds of damage has been caused during a string of car crimes across the Ryedale district.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed that there had been a spate of car crimes, with thieves targeting vehicles in several areas over recent days and snatching valuable goods.

Four cars were damaged in Water Street, Malton, on September 30, between 6pm and 8.30pm.

A Ford, Peugeot, Fiat and Renault were scratched by someone using a coin or key. The cost of repairs was estimated at £400.

A JVC CD-player, model KD5641, and two Sony speakers were stolen from a VW Golf car parked at Yedingham between 6.30pm the same night and 8.15am the next morning.

An Atlas battery drill, worth £150, was stolen from a white Toyota Carina at West Heslerton, also on the night of September 30.

Between 7.30pm on Thursday, October 2 and 6.50am the next day, thieves broke into a beige Nissan Sunny at Old Malton and stole a radio.

PC Ian Fraser, of the community safety department, said: "Obviously, to prevent this from happening, car owners should set alarms, not leave items in the car in visible places and park as far as possible in well lit areas.

"People should generally be aware of anybody acting suspiciously near vehicles and report them to the police."