CARELESS motorists are being targeted by police in a campaign to cut vehicle crime.

Officers in Sedgefield want to see a fall in the number of thefts from cars and are launching an initiative in towns and villages this week.

Enlisting the help of Sedgefield Borough Council's Community Force and the local Special Constabulary, Operation Hawkeye will see extra patrols in well-known car crime hotspots.

A note will be made of any vehicle in which valuable items have been left on display.

The owner will then be sent a letter from the police, pointing out the risk taken and offering suitable crime prevention advice.

Officers hope the extra patrols and the postal reminders will lead to a sharp reduction in such offences.

Crime prevention officer PC Peter Maddison said: "Unfortunately too many people are making it easy for the thieves.

"For example, we recorded a theft from a camper van parked in our area in which a lady's handbag had been left in view.

"Before long someone noticed it, forced their way in and grabbed the bag. It contained a passport, a mobile phone and no fewer than 11 credit cards."

The majority of vehicle crimes are concentrated in the two biggest towns in the area, Newton Aycliffe and Ferryhill. Most offences are street-based, with council-owned and privately-run car parks being relatively safe places to leave vehicles.

PC Maddison said: "Local beat officers, special constables and the council's community force will be extra vigilant over the coming weeks.

"Working together, we hope Operation Hawkeye will make life a lot more difficult for the car thieves."