MOTORISTS are being urged to get SMART in a bit to beat car crime.The Stop Motor-crime And Ring Today campaign is part of Suffolk Police's aim of reducing car crime.

MOTORISTS are being urged to get SMART in a bit to beat car crime.

The Stop Motor-crime And Ring Today campaign is part of Suffolk Police's aim of reducing car crime.

Inspector Ian Farthing, of Suffolk Police's crime reduction unit, said: "There are many people on the streets who are looking to steal from cars and an opportunist thief will seize any chance to gain entry to a vehicle.

"The police will continue to target this type of crime, however, there are measures you can take to make it as difficult as possible for the criminal and to minimise the risk of your vehicle being targeted.

"Although Suffolk's figures indicate that it has one of the lowest levels of recorded vehicle crime offences in the country, it is hoped that with the help of local residents and visitors, the figure can be reduced even further."

Police campaigners are urging a smart use of time to help deter the opportunistic thief.

Motorists should think about where they park. Thieves prefer dim light with few passers-by – choose a brightly lit street or managed car park with cctv.

Do not leave anything on view inside the car. A coat or newspaper on the back seat could be covering a camera or bag – a thief could break in just to check.

Take valuables with you and lock anything else in the boot.

Never forget to lock all doors, windows and sunroofs and always take the keys out of the ignition.

Make sure cars are locked even if kept in a garage and think about buying a highly visible steering lock – it may stop the thief trying his luck.