Ref. 73003-47CLEAR YOUR CAR CAMPAIGN: In our campaign against thefts from cars, TAMASH LAL goes around Swindon car parks and discovers the sort of things on display to tempt would be thieves

THIS is the reason why the Adver has launched a campaign to stop motorists leaving valuables in their cars.

These pages show the results of a random check of 100 vehicles, during which we found 12 with possessions on show.

Coats were the most common items found, but drivers had also left shopping, travel bags and in one case a mobile phone was sticking out from under a fleece.

Most vehicles we checked were in council car parks.

But Swindon Council has a good record on auto crime.

In fact 10 of its car parks have secured status, including both park and rides.

The standard is awarded by the British Parking Association and the police, and means that they are regularly patrolled.

The latest figures show the risk of being a crime victim in one of these car parks is around one in 15,500, with around 60 crimes a year recorded.

The risk is doubled in non-secured parks still considerably lower than other parts of the country.

But Tony Foss, head of parking, is not complacent, and thefts are on the increase.

"The council has one of the lowest levels in the country for car breaks, but we are not resting on our laurels.

"We also have one of the largest numbers of secured car parks in the country.

"But unfortunately, that doesn't means they are crime free. Obviously, we would like to prevent every single crime.

"Not leaving things on show is such as easy way to help ensure you are not a victim, and drive down the figures further."

His department works closely with the police to beat smash-and-grab crooks.

For example, wardens routinely note down registration numbers of drivers who have left possession in view.

These are passed to the police, who contact motorists to warn them of the dangers.

Plain clothed police officers also patrol car parks on bike.

"The figures are low, but I still have enormous empathy for the victims," added Mr Foss.

"To come back from a shopping or business trip and find your car window has been smashed is devastating.

"But the message is simple don't turn your car into a magnet for thieves by leaving items on display."

The council is backing our Keep Your Car Clear campaign by putting up posters in its car parks.

Tamash Lal