POLICE are lending out crook locks to deter criminals from stealing cars left by people enjoying a town's leisure venues.

Ten highly-visible Disklocks - steering wheel clamps - have been handed to Redcar Leisure Centre and Lovetts amusement park so they can be loaned out to customers.

Research by Cleveland Police shows that vehicle crime in the Coatham area of the town is the highest in all of Redcar and Cleveland.

The Majuba area, where both venues are situated, has been particularly hard hit by vehicle thefts from car parks. Thieves often target older cars, from E to L registered.

Leisure centre manager Ian Lillystone tried to introduce his own lock scheme, but it proved too expensive.

He said: "I believe this area has been targeted by people taking cars and I hope visitors to the centre will take up this offer and benefit from it."

Langbaurgh Chief Superintendent John Kelly heads the Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership, which paid for the locks.

He said: "I expect to see significant results from this project.

"It is helping the most vulnerable vehicles in the most vulnerable location."

If the scheme is successful it is expected to be introduced elsewhere in the borough.