DRIVERS are being urged by police to help themselves by locking their property out of sight in a new crime crackdown.

PC Dave Wiggan has launched Operation Out of Sight in response to the number of thefts from vehicles in recent weeks.

Warning posters will be displayed in all Burnley's major car parks and police patrols will be stepped up in hotspot crime areas.

In addition, Sainsbury's, Asda, Aldi, Kwik Save, Iceland and TK Maxx stores will be supplied with Home Office crime prevention literature to give out to visitors and special warning notices which can be hung in cars to warn potential thieves that the vehicle is secure and free of valuables.

Legion car park attendants will also be monitoring any vehicles they see where valuables are on show and the police will then write to the owner of the vehicle warning them about car crime.

PC Wiggan said: "Overall, vehicle crime is falling -- since April last year we have seen a 17 per cent fall in the number of thefts from vehicles.

"However we have experienced a slight increase this month which is why we are launching the campaign."

Motorists are advised there are simple steps to take to reduce the chances of them becoming a victim.

These include making sure car windows are shut and doors locked, if the car has an alarm or immobiliser then it should be used and making sure no valuables left on view in the car.