A PROLIFIC crook who stole property from parked cars has been jailed for four months - but police warned motorists not to relax.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Shakil Ahmed was a persistent offender who had received two prison sentences in the last 12 months.

Ahmed, 26, of Tenby Close, pleaded guilty to stealing a car stereo worth £100 on January 5.

Sergeant Mick Cross, who helps co-ordinate the police fight against auto-crime, said: "Ahmed is a prolific offender who targets motor vehicles with a view to selling the proceeds of his crime to support his drug habit.

"We are extremely pleased that he has been given a custodial sentence as it sends out a strong message to other car criminals that these sort of offences are taken extremely seriously. We want to reassure the public that we will continue to target prolific offenders in order to reduce vehicle crime. But there is a joint responsibility to prevent these offences and would ask people to lock their cars and remove all items of value."

Police have reminded motorists to:

Always ensure their vehicle is locked when left unattended.

Always try and park in a well lit area and away from secluded side streets.

Take valuables out of their car when they leave it.

If you must leave property in their vehicle, lock it in the boot or put it out of sight.

Joanne Close, prosecuting, told the court that a passer-by, who knew Ahmed, saw him sat in a car on the car park of Bangor Street Community Centre and contacted the police.

They later found him in the bathroom of a house in Earl Street and a screwdriver was found hidden under the toilet brush.

"This defendant has managed to acquire persistent offender status and his record reveals 56 previous offences," said Miss Close.

"He has received custodial sentences for offences of theft from vehicles and is currently on police bail for an attempted theft from a motor vehicle."

Kevin Preston, defending, said Ahemd had a drug addiction which was behind his offending.

"He says it costs him £20 a day and while that is not the worst, a man on benefits can only sustain that through crime.

"The problem is what does the court do to facilitate what everyone wants to see, which is a drug-free existence for Shakil Ahmed."