DRIVING schools are doing their bit to put the brake on car thieves.

Cleveland Police have persuaded more than 20 driving instructors to incorporate advice on vehicle security in driving lessons.

The themes are ensuring that a vehicle is left parked in a safe, well lit area; and that it is left locked with the windows shut, and the alarm or immobiliser activated.

Other tips are that any valuables are locked out of sight and where possible, the stereo is removed.

Sergeant Glynn Bass, Middlesbrough's crime prevention officer, said: "The initiative has the full backing of the majority of instructors operating in Middlesbrough and their support and enthusiasm has been brilliant.

"I am convinced that by introducing crime prevention within either the theory or driving test, or both, we can make an impact and reduce car crime.''

He added: "It is often assumed that everyone knows the safest way to leave a vehicle but judging from the number of vehicle crimes being committed it is clear that they don't.''

Paul Coleman, secretary of the Teesside Driving Instructors' Association, said: "All our members fully support Cleveland Police in this crime prevention initiative. We are helping learners to reduce the risk of car-related crime by incorporating crime prevention into a parking scenario.''

He said everyone taking the advice on board could help drive down the cost of insurance for new drivers.