POLICE are targeting thieves who break into cars parked in residential areas.

Northumbria Police said there had been a 30 per cent fall in thefts from vehicles from April 1 to July 23 in Sunderland.

A few areas, however, bucked the trend with an increase. These include Chester Road, Hendon and Ashbrooke where 40 offences have been reported to police over the past four weeks.

As a result, police are stepping up patrols in the affected areas and are giving householders leaflets with crime prevention advice such as not leaving valuable items on view in their cars and always making sure their vehicle is locked.

Inspector Steve Flaxen said: "We are pleased that, overall, the numbers of reported thefts from vehicles has greatly reduced, but there are a few pockets of increased activity by car thieves in residential areas. We are determined to crack down on this.

"We want to make motorists aware that there is a localised problem of car crime in some areas. Thieves are forcing their way into cars which have items left on show. In many cases, these items are only worth small sums, such as sunglasses, loose change and clothing.

"But criminals are prepared to cause up to £500-worth of damage to car doors to steal about £20 of property. If you add in the inconvenience caused and the increased cost of car insurance, it is definitely worthwhile for motorists to take some simple - and free - crime-prevention precautions. "