A NEW message in the battle against car crime is being issued to people living in Redcar and Cleveland who need to renew their parking permits.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has placed the permits in a free holder bearing the security message: "It's here now, will it be here later? Secure Your Vehicle."

So far, more than 3,500 residents have received the holders, and every one of the 8,000 permit holders will get one during the renewal process.

The message is being backed up by closed-circuit television cameras in many of the borough's most popular shopping and parking areas. Parking attendants also have a radio link to police to report any incidents.

The parking permit message builds on advice being given by the Redcar and Cleveland Autocrime Reduction Group, a partnership between the council, the police and local motoring-related organisations.

The group advises drivers to park in a busy, well-lit area, if possible, make sure security devices are fitted and activated and lock valuables in the boot.