DURHAM Police believe a little more thought from motorists will help them cut car crime.
Detectives in Durham and Chester-le-Street are urging drivers to take more care following a spate of opportunist thefts.
A number of cars and vans have been stolen in the past few weeks because of drivers leaving keys in the ignition when they buy petrol, or make other short stops.
An X-registration BMW was stolen from a garage in North Road, Chester-le-Street, when its owner left the car unlocked with the keys inside when he went to pay for fuel.
A delivery man calling at Durham's Dryburn Hospital had his Ford Transit van stolen from the car park. Again the keys were left in the vehicle.
Detective Sergeant Max Newby said: "It takes just seconds for a thief to drive away your car if you make it that easy for him."
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