HAPLESS thieves - including three from the same family - have been caught out by "trap cars" planted by Dorset police.

The otherwise ordinary vehicles are equipped with surveillance equipment and monitored by officers, who can swoop in and arrest thieves red handed. They are helping to slash crime figures in the county.

In use 24 hours a day at hundreds of possible hot spots, they have resulted in more than 50 arrests since their introduction in 2006 - that's nearly 80 per cent of all vehicle theft arrests in that period.

That includes three people from the same extended family convicted after targeting trap cars in three beauty spots.

The traps, which start recording as soon as someone tries to break into the car, can be left anywhere, from outside homes to industrial estates.

DC Nancy Playle said vehicle crime was at a 10-year low across the Dorset division - down 40 per cent since 2002/03, and now at one of the lowest levels in the country and still decreasing.

She added: "The message to car criminals is clear - beware - the next car you break into could be a police trap car."

Supt Gary Smith said the traps, combined with the public's efforts, could put an end to this type of crime.

He said: "We are really pleased with the figures.

"It shows that members of the public are listening to our advice and fewer people are leaving items in their cars.

"If there's nothing left for thieves to take, then it's possible that this type of crime could eventually be eradicated."

  • The figures refer to Dorset County Division and do not include Bournemouth and Poole.