MOTORISTS in Worcestershire are being advised not to leave their belongings on show in their vehicles.

Police in West Mercia have issued a warning asking people to remove items from their cars if they go on a day trip, holiday or even pop to the shops.

Vehicle crime is not prolific in the county and over the last four years has fallen across West Mercia, by 30 per cent in the past five years, with 8,492 vehicles being stolen or broken into in 2007/2008 compared to 12,134 vehicles in 2003/2004.

However, Acting Sergeant Rebecca Handy, from the force’s Local Policing Support Team, said crime prevention advice could help in reducing this kind of crime further.

She said: “Although vehicle crime is continuing to fall across the force area, we know that people are still very concerned about this type of crime and worry that they will have their vehicles broken into or stolen.

“Police across the force area are keen to reduce vehicle crime and to encourage people to follow simple crime prevention advice to reduce their chances of becoming a victim,” she said.

Sgt Handy added most vehicle crime was opportunistic and can be prevented.

For more information visit the Vehicle Security section in Community Safety on the force’s website westmercia.police.uk