Motorists in the North-East are among the hardest hit in the country by smash and grab raiders.

New figures show thefts from vehicles have risen by 20 per cent in the last year and Britain's annual car crime bill has rocketed to £826m.

According to the statistics revealed today by Autoglass, Middlesbrough is the region's worst hot-spot in 23rd place, while Gateshead appears at 41.

The nationwide study also shows less than half of motorists in the North-East have an alarm system and nearly nine in ten do not believe the Government is doing enough to combat car crime.

There are now nearly four times as many thefts from vehicles as there are street robberies in the UK, with thieves targeting credit cards, mobile phones, car radios and cash.

Autoglass managing director Nigel Doggett said: "The trend has emerged at a time when motorists in the North-East appear to be taking their eye off car security.

"They say they've lost faith that we can prevent, punish or prosecute car crooks but their lack of concern coincides with rising numbers of attacks."

The company has also released a check-list to help cut the number of attacks, with advice ranging from hiding away valuables to parking in well-lit, open locations.