CAR owners in Darlington are being urged to keep valuables away from view when they return to work.

Police fear thefts from vehicle could surge in the town after the Christmas period.

Offences of that nature are prevalent in the town. About 70 per cent of all thefts from cars are satellite navigation equipment and laptop computers.

During the past month, there have been 60 offences, the majority of which have involved sat-nav kits.

Since last Friday, there have been 16 thefts.

Many of the incidents have taken place in the east end of Darlington, with the Bank Top area being the worst-hit.

Police will be upping patrols in that part of town, handing out leaflets and talking to car owners, in a bid to stop drivers leaving valuables on show.

Inspector Brian Maudling, of Darlington police, said he believed Bank Top was a main target area for thieves because shoppers and workers park there.

He also said he expected many people who have had items stolen during the year to have been bought replacement systems for Christmas.

He urged car owners not to leave any items where they can be seen.

Insp Maudling said: "We can guarantee that there will be thousands of new kits in the area. They will be obvious targets.

"It is an obvious message but people still leave them on display."