The number of car thefts has gone up by 40% between 1998 and 2000 and is expected to increase by a further 58% this year, according to new figures.

Motorists in West of England and Wales were hardest hit, with thefts rising by 70% during the two years, said Tracker Network, a stolen vehicle recovery company.

There was a 57% rise in thefts in an area covering Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

The number of cars stolen in London rose by 53%.

Theft tactics

"We're not just experiencing an increase in thefts of highly-expensive vehicles but of all types and value of vehicles," said Tracker Network deputy marketing manager Michelle McLaughlin.

Pc Tony Crompton, crime reduction adviser for South Trafford in Greater Manchester, was behind a regional summer initiative to make people aware of car thieves' tactics.

He said: "We had a particular issue with thieves breaking into homes to get keys for the good-quality cars on the drive and then stealing them."