Car crime is rife in Mansfield and Ashfield

A specialist police team is being set up to tackle car crime in parts of Nottinghamshire.

Mansfield and Ashfield have been identified by Nottinghamshire Police as two of the worst areas in the country for car crime.

The two north Nottinghamshire towns have an average of 30 incidents of car crime every day.

The figure is an increase of 15% over 2002.

Car locks

Police say they are determined to tackle the high rates of vehicle break-ins and car theft in the area.

The police say they will unit will target prolific offenders using undercover work.

Motorists will also be encouraged to take crime prevention measures, including using special steering wheel locks and putting any valuables in the boot.

Around 500 letters were recently sent to residents in one car crime hotspot, urging them to take extra care with car security.