It is the first time such a device has been used in Dorset.

The motion-sensitive machine warns car park users about vehicle safety as they wait for their parking ticket to be printed.

Dorset Police and Bournemouth Borough Council are to use the �400 unit at the town's Bath Road South car park.

We're serious about car crime and I am positive that this venture will be a success Councillor John Hayter

Inspector Neil MacBean, central Bournemouth's section commander, said: "The talking ticket machine really highlights the direct and modern steps being taken to address vehicle crime in Bournemouth.

"The average insurance claim for motor crime is around �1,225 per vehicle.

"This unit costs under �400 to buy and install so if it prevents the expense and distress of even one vehicle crime then it will have paid for itself."

The launch of the machine comes after the Safer Bournemouth Action Group named the most secure car parks in the town centre.

More machines

Topping the list were the multi-storey Avenue Road car park on The Triangle and the Glen Fern Road car park - both of which have not suffered any vehicle crime since March.

Councillor John Hayter said that he hoped that more of the machines would be installed in Bournemouth in the future.

He said: "We are serious about car crime and I am positive that this venture will be a success.

"We need to remind people about the need to keep their valuables out of sight, helping to deter thieves and making our car parks safer for everyone."