SAFETY-CONSCIOUS Father Christmas highlighted the dangers of leaving valuables on display in cars.

The Safer Middlesbrough Partnership has teamed up with West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) and Santa Claus to promote car safety in the run-up to Christmas.

Santa has been walking through Middlesbrough town centre and its car parks, ringing his sleigh bells and shouting out safety messages including "Don't hand out gifts to thieves, lock your car" and "Make sure I'm the only one giving out gifts this Christmas, don't make it easy for thieves."

The scheme is aimed mainly at motorists who work in the town centre.

Santa will also help check that people are not leaving equipment, from satellite navigation systems to car stereos, on view in their cars.

Graham Strange, of the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership, said: "It's vital that we make people aware of these car safety and security tips if we really are going to drive down car crime.

"What better way in the lead-up to Christmas than enlisting the help of Santa Claus to provide some very vocal, yet very simple tips?"

Joan Ford, chairwoman of WMNT, said: "Cars these days are full of expensive and desirable equipment and people need to be made aware that their cars may be targeted if they leave these items on display.

"We hope this initiative, especially with a nice, loud Santa, will help get the message across."