Police say a gang may be involved with the thefts

Since the beginning of 2004, about 25 vehicles have been stolen in Exeter alone, nearly double the usual number for the time of year.

In terms of joyriders, police are particularly concerned about the dangers to other road users after an accident on Monday.

A two-year-old boy narrowly escaped serious injury when a teenage youth driving a stolen car hit the vehicle in which the toddler was a back seat passenger in Exeter.

Pc Roy Adams of Devon and Cornwall Police said the force believed a gang of youths was involved with many of the thefts.

In connection with the accident on Monday, Pc Adams said officers were appealing for witnesses.

He said: "Members of the public must have seen the youths involved in this, as they were driving erratically.

"All people have to do is think about what the consequences could have been for this child if the car was hit harder."