POLICE are hailing their latest weapon against car crime as a huge success, after 50 car break-ins were solved when the criminals were caught on camera.

Only weeks after "rat trap" cars were introduced in Darlington, the escalating car crime rate has fallen dramatically - thought to be by as much as 60 per cent.

The unmarked cars have valuable items, such as satellite navigation systems or handbags left on show to tempt thieves to break in.

But what they are not aware of is that cameras - either inside the car or from a nearby vehicle - are recording their every move.

Police have hailed the tactic as a crucial weapon against car crime, and there have already been several successful prosecutions.

Last week, 18-year-olds Shane Legg and Daniel Jenkinson were charged after being caught on camera stealing a handbag, digital camera and mobile phone from a rat trap car.

At Darlington Magistrates' Court, Legg, of Mallard Road, and Jenkinson, of Helmsley Moor Way, both Darlington, admitted the offence. Legg also admitted to another 16 similar crimes of stealing from vehicles.

They are to be sentenced next month and magistrates recommended a prison sentence.

The rat traps are used in areas of town where car crime is at its highest, such as the affluent West End.

Statistics show that from an average of eight car break-ins each day in Darlington, for several days last week it dropped to none.

Inspector Brian Maudling, of Durham Police, said he was pleased with the success rate, and hoped it was a sign that the criminal fraternity was being dissuaded from targeting cars.

"There has been a drop in the number of thefts from cars, which is very pleasing, and there have been 50 detections as a direct result of the rat traps," he said.

"But our message would be that anyone considering breaking into a car or a vehicle should think twice about who is watching, and where from. Would-be car thieves in this town should look over their shoulder, because they could well be being filmed."

Insp Maudling added: "These are all preventable crimes, and we would urge people not to leave their possessions on display.