MOTORISTS could face prosecution if their stolen cars are used to commit crimes.

That is the warning from police chiefs who have launched a new campaign to alert drivers to carjackers and thieves.

The prosecution threat is to people who leave their keys in the ignition with the engine running, and the cars are stolen and used in robberies, ramraids or other offences.

Motorists could be prosecuted for committing the offence of "quitting" when a motor vehicle is left unattended on a public road without a person licensed to drive it.

Between January and April this year, 295 cars were stolen in the Greater Manchester area as a consequence of "quitting".

In total, 1,200 cars, worth more than £11.7 million, disappeared in the first four months of the year by carjackings or using stolen keys.

Car keys were taken from houses in 472 incidents, with 121 taken from hallways by thieves inserting hooks through letterboxes.

As part of Operation Hawk, and in a bid to tackle the growing problem of carjackings, Greater Manchester Police have launched Operation Maiden, warning motorists to be on their guard at all times, and to take precautions to protect themselves and their vehicles.

PC Andy Wright, Bury Police's crime prevention advisor, said: "Drivers should remain vigilant and aware of what is happening around them when approaching or leaving their vehicle, and while driving.

"In the rare event that motorists feel an accident has been staged to make them stop, or they are concerned they are being followed, then they should drive to the nearest police station to report it, or drive to a safe, public place where there are potential witnesses.

"If necessary, flash your lights or sound your horn to make people aware you are in difficulty. If you are still concerned about your safety, call the police on a mobile phone or ask a passenger to do so. Make a note of the car number and vehicle and occupant descriptions."

Other advice includes not stopping to help stranded motorists, lock all doors while in vehicles, never leave vehicles unlocked, take the keys with you, and keep handbags, briefcases and other items hidden from view.

PC Wright said: "Many modern cars are now very difficult to steal without the keys so criminals are devising methods to steal the keys in order to steal the vehicle.

"There have been instances where thieves have got into vehicles while drivers are at petrol station forecourts, or stealing the cars while the motorist is at a bottlebank or paperbank."

Car owners are being advised to keep keys away from front doors and windows, or put them in a drawer or another safe place.

"If people are unfortunate enough to become the victim of car-related robbery, don't offer any resistance but try to remember as much detail as possible about the offenders, their vehicle and the circumstances of the incident,

"Where drivers are concerned about their own safety and consider driving through a stop sign or traffic lights on red, they should be aware that it is breaking the law. It might put them at greater risk. It might endanger other road-users and it is ultimately a judgement decision.

"If the driver genuinely believes he or she is at risk and carries out any of these actions, they may still have to face the possible consequences." he added.