TRAFFORD police say they are confident that urgent action has put a stop to a car crime wave in Davyhulme.

During the run up to Christmas the area suffered an increase in the number of thefts from motor vehicles. Eleven vehicles were broken into in one 24-hour period alone from December 11-12 and a further 18 incidents occurred the following week.

To combat the problem, Urmston neighbourhood police officers delivered crime prevention leaflets to 500 homes; the letter gave crime prevention advice and invited residents of targeted vehicle models to have their stereos secured free of charge.

Area Insp Victoria Murtagh, from the Urmston neighbourhood police team, said so far this year there have been no repeat offences. She explained: "We have seen a very pleasing decrease in thefts from vehicles in the area and we will be working hard to maintain these results.

"Vehicle crime causes upset and inconvenience to those who are direct victims of this type of crime but people can help prevent themselves from becoming victims by not leaving items in vehicles.

"Also, car owners should always make sure their vehicles are locked, all windows and doors secured and that their car keys are not on display near doors or windows inside the house."