CROOK-BUSTING cars are being used to catch auto thieves on camera as part of a hi-tech crackdown on crime.

Police in Blackburn are the first in the county to use the specially-adapted cars as part of their battle to reduce the number of thefts from vehicles.

The unmarked motors are being left unattended on car parks and side streets and look just like normal vehicles.

But when a thief breaks in their every move is caught on a hidden camera and an engine immobiliser prevents the car being driven away.

The cars have already been used by forces in Greater Manchester, London and South Yorkshire.

And, once thieves have been identified, the computerised pictures provided from the camera are of such quality that admissions of guilt usually follow.

One specially-adapted car was broken into four times in ten days after being left in a number of different locations around Blackburn, with a bag or another item of property on the seat. Det Insp Mick Gradwell of Blackburn CID said: "This just goes to show that thieves are going around looking at cars where items have been left on display.

"It should make people aware that if they don't leave property lying around, they are less likely to have their vehicles targeted.

"There are a number of cars fitted with this device and we will be using them regularly in the Blackburn area."

Theft from vehicles is the major problem facing the public in and around Blackburn town centre.

Between April and August this year there were 1,374 thefts from motor vehicles in the town, a rise of around 400 compared to the same period last year.

The figures for Blackburn are almost as bad as those in Blackpool, where there are a high number of holidaymakers and visitors.

The technology for the crime-busting car has been developed by Cambridge firm Toad Innovations.

Det Insp Gradwell added: "This is one of a number of methods we are using to try and continue to cut crime.

"Over the next 12 months we are hoping to use other innovations which will hopefully make life as difficult as possible for the criminals."

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