POLICE have issued advice to people on how to avoid being a victim of car crime following a 'marked increase' in thefts from unattended vehicles in communities between Keighley and Skipton.

They say a spate of thefts from vehicles in South Craven have included clothing taken from a market trader's van in Cowling. Thieves got away with North Face jackets, Superdry coats and other items from the van, and on another occasion, a handbag was taken from a vehicle parked on a driveway in Cononley.

Police say vehicles should always be locked, even if they are being left for just a few minutes.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured. So get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment.

"If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked."

Windows and sun roofs should also be closed to prevent 'fishing' - when thieves use a bent coat hanger, or reach through, to unlock a door, and number-plates should be secured with tamper-resistant screws.

"The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number," said the spokesperson.

Valuable alloy wheels should be secured with locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts, and anything on the outside of vehicles - such as roof racks or tool chests should also be secured with cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests.

Mobile phones, coins, for parking, sunglasses and other items that can earn 'quick cash' are irresistible to the opportunist thief, say police. "Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen. Wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle."

Electrical items, such as satellite navigation systems should be hidden and all indications, such as suction cap marks, or cables, kept out of sight. The spokesperson added: "Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it's a good idea to mark them clearly with your name/company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on."

A lockable cabinet could also be considered, or a small camera fitted inside the vehicle. Photograph items of value, make a note of the serial numbers and consider registering them online at a property register site.

Finally, park in well-lit and busier areas and take all documents with you.

"Having a vehicle’s registration and insurance documents could let a thief pretend to be the owner. Which means they could sell it on quite easily. So, never leave any documents in the vehicle; choose your car park wisely, and if possible, always try to park in well-lit and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award."