A SCHEME aimed at cutting thefts from vehicles has been hailed a huge success.

The joint initiative between Southampton police, the city council and the DVLA has proved so successful, it has been extended for a further 12 months.

The scheme works by police officers and council parking attendants looking out for vehicles where items have been left on display, making easy pickings for car thieves.

They then note down the number plate which is passed on to the DVLA, who send out a letter to the registered keeper warning them they could easily become a victim of car crime and offering them crime reduction advice.

In the past three months 1,376 letters have been sent. During that time the number of thefts from vehicles has dropped 40 per cent to 582 compared to the same time last year.

Superintendent Gareth Jones said: "This scheme has proved very successful so far and it would appear that when people are sent these letters it really does make them think about what they leave on display in their cars. But why wait until we spot your vehicle, or much worse, a thief does?

"It is easy to take simple precautions to make sure you don't fall victim to this sort of crime. Don't leave anything of value or interest on display in your car. Either put it in the boot or take it with you. It is not unknown for thieves to watch for people leaving items such as laptops in their boots and then quickly force it open and steal the computer."

The letter scheme was originally due to end on March 31 but it has proved so

successful that it has now been extended until at least the end of March next year.

Director of the AA Trust Bert Morris praised the scheme, adding that thieves will smash a car window for as little as a cheap CD or some loose change.

He said: "People should always follow the advice given and leave absolutely nothing on display. If there is nothing on display then the thief won't risk being caught putting a side window in."