OWNERS of vehicles most at risk of being stolen are being offered cut-price steering wheel locks by police.

PC Ian Clelland, crime reduction officer in Darlingtonn, is co-ordinating the scheme in a bid to reduce the numbers of cars being stolen.

He said that vehicle crime was a big problem, with 50 cars stolen and 100 broken into each month.

The cars being targeted are older models, particularly E to L registration Vauxhall Astras, Cavaliers, Rovers and Ford Escorts.

PC Clelland said that these models were targeted because they do not have factory-fitted immobilisers and engine management systems to prevent unauthorised use.

To deter the thieves, Darlington police have teamed up with the borough council and the Safe in Tees Valley group to provide the steering wheel locks.

Safe in Tees Valley has bought the Diskloks and is subsidising the cost for vehicle owners most at risk of having their cars stolen.

The Diskloks cost £80 in the shops, but the police are offering them for £25.

PC Clelland said: "They are full plate locks, which are better than the single arm locks which go through the steering wheel, because they can be overcome without a great deal of effort.

"But these Diskloks cover the whole of the steering wheel, so thieves can't get into the nut to remove the steering wheel. They can't drive the car and it protects the air bag. It is also very visible."

The Diskloks will be sold to owners of at-risk vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the offer can contact PC Clelland on (01325) 346824. He will write with details of where the devices can be collected, once proof has been given that the applicant owns a vehicle which is most at risk of being stolen.

But PC Clelland said: "These locks will protect cars from being stolen. What they can't do is protect the contents of the car.

"Our biggest problem is theft of property from vehicles. Our advice is take everything out of the car. Leave nothing on display.