Police can stop the cars by remote control

Covert police "capture cars" have been fitted with the latest satellite tracking and video technology.

They will be left in crime hotspots and will message officers if they are tampered with in any way.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was not a "honey trap", but a means of catching offenders and deterring crime.

'Think twice'

The initiative, which was first introduced in Torbay in Devon last year, aims to catch people committing vehicle crime, while at the same time deterring potential offenders.

If the car is tampered with in any way, such as during an attempt to steal something from inside it, specialist video equipment on board will kick in, record the offender's actions and message nearby officers via satellite technology.

If the car itself is taken, officers can then track the vehicle, remotely activate the locks, immobilise the engine and even apply the brakes.

Sgt Graham Claybourn of the West Cornwall Community Safety Team said he was glad they were being rolled out across the force area.

He said: "These vehicles have already proven to be a success in Devon and we were keen to introduce the initiative into Cornwall.

"The Covert Capture Cars are a breakthrough for us and we are confident that these vehicles will have an impact on car crime.