POLICE in Burnley are urging the public to play their part in helping to drive down car crime.

The move follows a recent increase in the number of thefts from vehicles, many of which had either been left unlocked or with valuable items on view.

Handbags, mobile phones, CD players and work tools are among the items stolen in the past few weeks.

Officers are employing a number of tactics to help catch the thieves but, according to Burnley Inspector Dave Croll, car owners must play their part too.

He said: "We have increased patrols in affected areas by both police officers and traffic wardens in a bid to deter offenders and we are on the look-out for insecure cars, the owners of which we trace and provide with crime prevention literature.

"However, this is a problem which the police can't tackle in isolation. We need the public's help."

Insp Croll and his team are urging motorists to:

Ensure that the vehicle is locked even if it is only left for a few minutes;

Use their car alarm and immobiliser;

Park their cars securely when shopping or at work; consider parking near CCTV cameras and in well lit areas;

Keep the car in a secure garage;

Make sure there are no valuable items on display in the vehicle;

Report any suspicious activity to police;

Give details they may have of any crimes to Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Insp Croll added: "By following these simple steps, local people can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car crime -- and all the misery it brings.

"And by keeping us and Crimestoppers informed about local crimes, they can also raise the risk of those responsible for these crimes being caught."