A move to cut vehicle crime has been launched by police in King's Lynn after the success of a similar scheme in the Thetford area.Operation Wheelstop, which began in Breckland last January, aims to drive down the number of thefts of and from vehicles by employing a wide range of both visible and covert tactics.

A move to cut vehicle crime has been launched by police in King's Lynn after the success of a similar scheme in the Thetford area.

Operation Wheelstop, which began in Breckland last January, aims to drive down the number of thefts of and from vehicles by employing a wide range of both visible and covert tactics.

The strategy is based on identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible by targeting known offenders.

Police action may involve visits to homes and officers asking suspects to account for their actions.

Stringent curfew checks are made on those charged and bailed with vehicle crime offences and any breaches reported to the courts.

Supt Nick Dean said: "Over recent weeks, we have seen an increase in vehicle crime in the western area, with offences being committed in various locations, from town centre car parks to industrial estates and beauty spots.

"Through Operation Wheelstop we are taking a proactive stance on any intelligence and targeting offenders who commit these crimes."

The police say that help from the public is vital in cutting down car crime.

People are asked to:

Leave vehicles locked, parked in secure buildings where ever possible, near CCTV or in well-lit areas

Remove property from vehicles or at least leave belongings locked and out of sight.

Note serial numbers of vehicle audio equipment and mark any valuable property so it can be easily identified.

Be alert to anyone acting suspiciously around vehi-cles and report it to police by dialling 999, which may assist in helping to catch thieves in the act.