MOTORISTS are being urged to empty their vehicles of valuables as police launch a crackdown on town centre smash and grabs.

A new campaign has been set-up to try and reduce the number of thefts from cars with officers now urging preventative action is taken by people parking in Bournemouth town centre.

PC Joel Brooks said: “The situation is becoming ridiculous.

“The incidents are taking place mainly in St Stephen’s Road and St Stephen’s Way and in car parks in Braidley Road and Leyton Mount in Madeira Road as well as the Triangle.

“We want to bring the culprits to justice but we also need help from the public.

“Do not leave satnav systems in cars and wipe the tell-tale marks from the windscreen so thieves do not know they are there.

“Ultimately remove anything that may be of value or may indicate that there is something of value there.

“Most people are really good about hiding things but we are urging people to be a little bit cleverer about it. Even if it is just change left in the well, it could be attractive to a thief who is desperate.”

PC Brooks said in the large majority of cases, the thefts took place during the day and vehicles are usually broken into by throwing a rock through the window.

“It’s not just the items that are stolen but the cost and time to replace windows and repair damage.

“It’s frustrating for the victim of the crime and for us as well.”

In June, the Daily Echo reported 10 cars which had their windows broken and objects including satnavs, MP3 players and CDs taken.

The baffled car-owners said they couldn’t understand why thieves had opted for these things while expensive stereos had been left untouched.

At the time, Bournemouth Borough Council had also advised staff to be vigilant after reports of break-ins in the St Stephen’s Road and Braidley Road car parks.