POLICE chiefs say they are horrified by the results of an operation that showed how opportunist thieves are getting an easy ride in Darlington.

Operation Hawkeye was set up to provide regular patrols of car crime hot-spots by council wardens and police community support officers.

New figures reveal that in the past five weeks, there have been more than 350 cases of drivers not putting valuable items out of sight, and even leaving their vehicles unlocked.

Details of the vehicles were noted and owners sent a letter giving them advice about how to prevent becoming a crime victim in the future.

Inspector Paul Unsworth, of Darlington police, said: "A lot of vehicle crime is the result of thieves seeing opportunities and taking them.

"We were horrified by how many times the wardens and support officers came across cars which had valuable items on display for all to see."

The operation will continue for the next few weeks in the town centre and surrounding areas