Car crime offering 'easy money'

The average hall was more than £370

Scotland's car crime bill has soared by 46%, according to a study.

Windscreen firm Autoglass said Scottish motorists were leaving higher value items in plain view offering thieves "easy money".

The company's figures rank Paisley as the worst affected area followed by Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The survey suggested that most drivers felt there was nothing they could do to stop thefts, which averaged £374, up from £256 last year.

The thieves' favourite items were car stereos, CDs, handbags, credit cards and laptops.

CAR CRIME POSTCODE HOTSPOTS 1. PA Paisley 2. G Glasgow 3. EH Edinburgh 4. ML Motherwell 5. KA Kilmarnock 6. KY Kirkaldy 7. AB Aberdeen 8. FK Falkirk 9. DD Dundee 10. PH Perth 11. IV Inverness 12. DG Dumfries & Galloway 13. TD Galashiels 14. KW Kirkwall 15. HS Hebrides

Nigel Doggett, managing director of Autoglass, said: "It seems Scotland's drivers have accepted car crime as a fact of life - today's victims are more than twice as likely to feel inconvenienced than upset about an attack - but by taking our eyes off car security we're leaving an open door for smash and grab thieves."

More than half of drivers, 55%, had not fitted a car alarm and 52% of victims admitted they had not changed their habits in any way since being robbed.

And latest official figures suggested that just 45% of victims reported car break-ins to the police.

Of those who did, 83% did not expect anyone to be charged.

The report, which has been sent to Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson, was released days before the clocks go back, which usually sees a rise in attacks on cars.

The company advised drivers to park in well-lit places if possible, to stow valuables away and remove the ignition key, even if they are only going to pay for petrol.