MOTORISTS are being reminded to lock up their cars by residents of a Middlesbrough neighbourhood.

Members of Southfield Community Council are putting up 24 brightly-coloured signs around their area, warning motorists to beware of car criminals and to make sure their vehicles are secure.

Council chairman Les Fawcett scoured the neighbourhood looking for potential "hot spots" where thieves might strike, before deciding where to place the signs.

He said: "We hope that by giving motorists this kind of timely reminder we can cut down on crime in our neighbourhood."

The community council is already working closely with Middlesbrough Council street wardens.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough's executive member for law and order, said the authority's community safety unit had helped to pay for the signs.

"This is a useful, practical project which will make a town centre neighbourhood more secure. It is very good to see residents, through the community council, taking the initiative on crime."