Crackdown to target car thieves

Police are cracking down on thieves breaking into cars in residential areas in Sunderland.

Northumbria Police said there has been a 30% decrease in thefts from vehicles between 1 April to 23 July in the city, but some areas have bucked that trend.

They include Chester Road, Hendon and Ashbrooke, where 40 offences have been reported over the last four weeks.

Officers are stepping up patrols in the areas affected and will be distributing crime prevention leaflets.

Insp Steve Flaxen said: "We are pleased that overall the numbers of reported thefts from vehicles has greatly reduced, but there are a few pockets of increased activity by car thieves in residential areas. We are determined to crack down on this.

"We want to make motorists aware that there is a localised problem of car crime in some areas.

"Thieves are forcing their way into cars which leave items on show. In many cases these items are only worth small sums such as sunglasses, loose change and clothing."