THE biggest crime prevention and road safety campaign ever mounted in Darlington got under way in the market place yesterday.

The police event was put together to educate and alert shoppers to a range of crime and safety issues.

PC Ian Clelland, Darlington crime prevention officer, said: "There has recently been a rise in thefts from vehicles and the thieves are also targeting accessories such as alloy wheels and airbags.

"The event gave us the opportunity to highlight this trend as well as a host of road safety and other connected issues.