POLICE have launched an advertising campaign to highlight the continuing fight to tackle car crime.

Since the launch of Operation Hatch, figures have fallen, and Cleveland Police are trying to drive home the message to motorists.

Radio advertisements, and posters on buses and lampposts are all being used to promote the operation under the banner of Give Car Crime the Boot in Middlesbrough.

Reported car crime has fallen from 600 in December to 290 last month.

Chief Inspector Sue Coates said: "These figures prove that we made a real impact on the activities of car criminals in Middlesbrough.

"Through high-profile policing of known hot-spot areas identified by daily analysis, we have been able to respond quickly and reverse the rising trend that we saw in the last three months of 2004."

Chief Insp Coates believes that targeting car thieves and educating the public is the key to the operation's success.

She said: "Although in its infancy, results to date are good and we are committed to continue with the operation in order to reduce auto crime and bring offenders to justice."

Last month, four car parks run by Middlesbrough Council received an award for security.

The Zetland, Captain Cook Square, Buxton Street and Gurney Street car parks received Park Mark Safer Parking awards after security cameras were installed.

All the car parks are monitored internally and externally. Parking officers also patrol the sites daily