'Sticker deterrent' for car thieves

It is hoped the stickers will deter young car thieves

A new drive aimed at deterring would-be car thieves with a sticker has begun in South Yorkshire.

The Vehicle 25 scheme is being rolled out across the county following a successful pilot project in Rotherham.

Drivers over the age of 25 are asked to register their cars with the police and display a windscreen sticker.

Police who then spot anyone who looks younger driving the car are alerted to the fact it could be stolen.

Figures show that 28.5 cars a day are stolen in the county every day and 75% of these crimes are committed by those aged under 21.

South Yorkshire Police are supporting the scheme, which is being run by the South Yorkshire Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Neighbourhood Watch chairman Jack MacKay said: "It takes a long time to earn the money to buy a car; it only takes a thief seconds to take it.

"What this scheme is about is working in partnership with police in making it harder for the car thief to be successful and profit from the public's loss.

He added: "Out joint aim is to reduce car crime throughout South Yorkshire."