MOTORISTS in the Chiltern district who leave valuables on display are to be sent letters warning their vehicles are at risk from thieves.

The 'Clear Car Campaign' was launched this week by the Buckinghamshire Community Safety Partnership in a bid to reduce break-ins from cars.

Officers from Chiltern District Council's Community Safety and Civil Enforcement and Thames Valley Police will record where and when vehicles were spotted and what was on show.

Owners will then receive a letter through the post advising them their vehicle was left vulnerable and be given appropriate crime prevention advice.

Mike Levine, Thames Valley Police's Crime Reduction Advisor, said: "Most criminals are opportunists. We hope that by encouraging vehicle owners to remove temptation for thieves, this will limit their opportunity to offend.

“Simply hiding items isn't enough. The glove box or under the seat are the first places they will look for your satnav."

Meanwhile, 16 people have been arrested as part of a police clampdown on burglary and vehicle crime in the Chilterns.

People have been charged with burglary, robbery, car crime and drug offences as part of Operation Guillotine, with 210 stop searches also being carried out.

Chief Inspector Ian Hunter added there had been a 35 per cent reduction in house burglaries compared to April last year.

For further information and advice go to www.chiltern.gov.uk/communitysafety or call Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 and ask to speak with your local Crime Reduction Officer.