Police praise 'covert car' scheme

Police say the cars have led to a drop in vehicle crime

Police in Bristol say their policy of deploying 'covert capture cars' to trap vehicle thieves is working.

Nearly 200 people have been arrested since the scheme started, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said.

"A number of these cars are left parked around Bristol and when the thief breaks in, a tiny camera catches them in the act," he said.

Officers bait the 'honey pot' with a number of items including satellite navigation systems and handbags.

"In two years nearly 200 people have been arrested for offences connected to vehicle crime and handling stolen goods and a lot of stolen property has been recovered," the spokesman added.

Supt Ian Wylie, added: "Some of the photographs we have got from the cars have been excellent images. There is no doubt who the thief is and what they are doing.

"When faced with such evidence, there is no other way to go than guilty."