A NEW anti-theft initiative is in the bag - a crime prevention team hopes.

About 600 bright orange drawstring bags are to be distributed to motorists who are in the habit of leaving cars parked on their drives overnight, as a reminder to take all their valuables indoors.

Each "Safe Sack" comes with a bright orange card for display in the car window, spelling out to passing thieves that the car has been "emptied of all valuables" in the hope crooks will move on.

Car crime accounts for almost one quarter of crime on Teesside, where the initiative is to be tried.

Figures for the past financial year reveal 9,454 thefts from and 4,797 thefts of, vehicles, with reports of 2,106 vehicles tampered with.

Gerry McBride, crime prevention officer with Cleveland Police, said: "The Safe Sack is a highly visible reminder of how motorists must take responsibility for both their vehicles and their possessions.

"I hope that as many drivers as possible will take advantage of this useful weapon in the fight against car crime."

The sacks, which come with a leaflet full of security tips, will be available from major police offices in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar and Stockton from next week.

The scheme is sponsored by RAC Auto Windscreens.

Car crime makes up nearly 20 per cent of all recorded crimes in England and Wales.