Car crime is very low in Mansfield car parks

Attendants are helping cut car crime in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, by patrolling multi-storey car parks looking for cars with valuables on show.

If valuables are in clear view, the attendants note the registration number and the owner is sent a letter telling them to be more careful.

The address of the car owners is supplied to the Mansfield District Council by the DVLA.

Mansfield has the highest rate of car crime in the region, but there has been just one reported crime in the last year in its two town centre car parks.

The reduction in car crime over the past few years is a result of the increased foot patrols, better lighting and CCTV cameras, a council spokesman said.

Parking attendant Fred Walsh said: "The most obvious things people leave are mobile phones, bank books, credit cards, even car parking tickets.

"If they [the thieves] take the tickets then they can get out if they are stealing a car."

The attendants recommend putting handbags and packages in the boot while shopping.