CAR thieves who target luxury vehicles in the Ribble Valley are target of a new high-profile police operation.

Extra patrols will take to the streets of the borough as part of Operation Secure, which will run until January.

Neighbourhood police officers will visit hot spot areas and letters will also be sent to motorists who have been identified as having ‘insecure’ vehicles in a bid to crackdown on Christmas crooks.

Areas targeted include Rogersfield, Langho, Bryers Croft, Wilpshire, and Yew Tree Close, Clayton-le-Dale, with thieves stealing laptops and Sat Nav systems as well as cash from cars.

The crime traditionally increases at this time of year as opportunist thieves take advantage of motorists leaving their vehicles running to defrost them.

Inspector Jenny Coulston said: “Whilst vehicle crime is relatively low in the Ribble Valley, we cannot underestimate the importance of locking your vehicles and removing even the smallest of items from the view.

“With Christmas only weeks away, we want to make it more difficult for criminals to operate and I urge people to take our advice – lock it or risk losing it.

“In Langho and Wilpshire, crime figures for the last three months show that this type of crime accounts for over 60 per cent of all thefts.

“Our message to criminals is to stay away from the Ribble Valley this Christmas.”

Insp Coulston said police were asking the public to follow some simple steps, to help reduce the opportunity for criminals to steal from their vehicles.

They include:

  • Never leave the keys in the ignition, even if you are just stopping quickly. Treat vehicles as cash or credit cards.
  • Always lock and secure your vehicle, check the sunroof and windows.
  • Make sure you don't leave your belongings on show. Store them in the boot or take them with you. Everything is a potential target for a thief.

If your call is stolen while the keys are in the ignition it will not be covered by insurance.

Additionally, if you drive a company car many firms see it as a disciplinary offence is your car is stolen in this way.

Police have in the past also issued fixed penalties to such cars left unattended on public roads.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious is asked to contact the police on 0845 1 25 35 45.