POLICE are hailing a crackdown on car crime in the Durham and Chester-le-Street area a success.

But they are calling on drivers to do more to curb the number of offences by taking basic security measures.

Officers taking part in Operation Oceana have been surprised at how many motorists have left tempting property within sight of villains.

The operation has led to the number of thefts of, and from, vehicles falling 40 per cent from 614 to 400 reported incidents between April and June.

Det Insp Andy Reddick, of Durham City CID, said: "We have been amazed to find dozens of cars have been left with valuables where they can be seen - offering easy pickings for opportunist thieves.

"When we find these vulnerable cars we check registration details with the police national computer and then send a polite letter to the owner offering unambiguous crime prevention advice.

"We'll be continuing Operation Oceana throughout the year. It has been successful and we are using a number of tactics including rat trap vehicles.

"We look at crime pattern analysis and put cars of the type that are commonly targeted in areas where the offences are occurring.

"We put CDs and other valuables in them and keep observation on them."

Det Insp Reddick said the thieves were stealing radio cassette or CD players and mobile phones.

"It is a quick crime for the fairly unsophisticated criminal. They get in fast, break windows and take the property.

"Drugs have an effect because we are finding that the car criminals are drug addicts and are getting money to feed their habit."

Car crime hot-spots include areas around Durham University and New College, Sacriston and the Riverside car parks at Chester-le-Street.

Total crime in the division during the quarter has dropped by 11 per cent, from 2,785 to 2,500. House burglaries fell by ten per cent and drug arrests rose from 29 to 42