The solar-powered signs, which are installed in the Severn Square and Rogers Lane car parks in Alfreton, are activated when people walk past them.

They prompt motorists to remember if they have locked their cars and removed any valuables from them.

Alfreton was chosen for the county council-led scheme as its car crime rate is above average.

Information packs reminding drivers to remove belongings from the dashboards, seats and floors of their vehicles are also being handed out as part of the scheme.

Councillor Joyce Sanders, the county council's cabinet member for community safety services, said: "We hope this project will remind motorists not to take any chances and prevent thieves from making rich pickings at their expense.

"Car crime figures are down in Derbyshire but we are continuing to work hard to cut these figures even further."