THIEVES who carry out smash and grab raids on cars are being targeted by police in East Cleveland.

Crooks looking for easy pickings such as Christmas presents, briefcases and handbags left on car seats, are to be picked up themselves by dedicated police teams.

An operation using stakeout teams and officers posing as motorists is being launched to cover shopping centre and district car parks.

Motorists are being given advice on how to remove temptation from car thieves. Tips include removing sound systems before leaving the car, ensuring the car is locked, the alarm is switched on and that all valuables are out of sight.

Thousands of stickers and rear view mirror hanger warnings are being distributed across East Cleveland informing thieves the cars they are checking out are secure, with nothing valuable left inside.

The operation, in Redcar, is a spin-off from an active multi-agency crime task force.

Detective Inspector Gordon Lang, the man in charge of the task group, said: "We will be mounting a special operation on the district's car parks and other areas in the run-up to Christmas.

"Cars are at risk wherever they park, but if people take on board these few simple prevention measures, they'll go a long way to ensuring the Christmas presents they've just bought will be going home with them."