A POLICE initiative to reduce the numbers of car thefts in Darlington saw motorists in the town being offered cut-price steering wheel locks at the weekend.

Darlington Crime Prevention Officer PC Ian Clelland met motorists at the Morrisons store, in Neasham Road, where members of the public could buy Diskloks for £25 instead of the usual price of £80.

PC Clelland said that vehicle crime was a big problem in the town, with 50 cars stolen and 100 broken into each month.

The offer is open to owners of cars most at risk of being stolen - particularly E to L registration Vauxhall Astras and Cavaliers, Rovers and Ford Escorts.

PC Clelland said thieves target the cars because they do not have factory-fitted immobilisers or engine management systems to prevent unauthorised use.

To combat the problem, Darlington police have teamed up with the borough council and the Safe in Tees Valley group to provide the cheap steering locks.

The event at Morrisons was the first of a series of police events held in the town intended to give motorists with high-risk models the chance to buy the locks.

The Diskloks are being sold to motorists on a first-come, first-served basis.

PC Clelland said: "These locks will protect cars from being stolen. What they can't do is protect the contents of the car.

"Our biggest problem is theft of property from vehicles. Our advice as always is take everything out of the car and leave nothing on display."

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the offer can contact PC Clelland on (01325) 346824.