POLICE are cracking down on car crime in Marlow by warning motorists not to leave valuables in vehicles.

Car crime in the town may be down but police say they are determined to stamp it out.

Mobile phones and laptops are frequently left on front seats and alarms are becoming less of a deterrent to criminals, say officers.

Between April and November last year there was a 17 per cent reduction in car crime in Marlow and police hope the trend continues.

Inspector Andy Kitchen, of Marlow Police Station, said: "If we see a vehicle with property on display we will take the details and contact the owner to warn them. We are leaving crime prevention leaflets on cars where we see items on display as well."

The Home Office estimates each theft from a vehicle costs society £560.

Insp Kitchen added: "Never leave anything in a car, even in the boot. Now they will chance breaking into cars at quiet spots to see what's in the boot.

"It is getting steadily worse because property being left in cars is becoming more valuable. If something of value is on display I don't think an alarm would necessarily deter a thief."