POLICE are planning to place decoy cars at various locations in Ellesmere Port in a bid to catch criminals red-handed.

Items such as satellite navigation systems (SatNav), stereos, CDs, handbags and briefcases will be left on dis-play in the vehicles, making them attractive to the opportunist thief.

The cars will be kitted out with the latest technology to ensure thieves' every move is monitored and they can easily be linked to the crime scene.

Detective Sergeant Simon Newell, of the Proactive Policing Team, said: 'These tactics are really effective in terms of catching car criminals and reducing the number of vehicle crimes - the technology we use helps us identify criminals and the fact that decoy cars are being used makes many thieves think twice before targeting a vulnerable vehicle.

'I'm confident we'll soon be reaping the benefits and I urge everyone to do their bit by taking a second to think about security every time they leave their vehicle unattended.

'Simple things like removing a car stereo fascia and SatNav systems, removing all valuables from a car. These steps take just a few seconds to carry out but they can really make a difference when it comes to reducing the risk of a car being targeted.'

Details of car crimes reported show that despite the high value, motorists continue to leave their belongings unattended.

Records also show motorists are leaving their car keys in areas they can be easily spotted and accessed, such as on a kitchen counter near an open back door or on a table within reach of a letterbox.

They will use reported crime figures to place cars around the Western Area, including Ellesmere Port.

Sgt Newell added: 'I hope this sends out a clear message to the minority of people involved in car crime that we will not tolerate your behaviour.'