SAFE driving is not only important for preventing accidents on the road but can also play a huge part in reducing the possibility of being a victim of car crime.

And motorists can help themselves by not only maintaining their car but also looking out for safe parking places that are well lit and trying not to be aggressive on the roads.

Community safety officer for South Trafford, PC Tony Crompton says that it is all part of reducing what they call 'The Crime Triangle' - that is for an incident to occur there must be three parts involved.

He told SUM: "In any crime there is always an offender, a victim and an opportunity for the incident to occur.

"But by taking extra precautions with vehicles, we can stop there being any sort of opportunity and deter car thieves at the same time."

He said: "A reliable car that is regularly serviced with weekly fluid and tyre checks is less likely to break down and so prevent a break down situation for the driver.

"This can prove significant because it is not unusual for thieves to target cars that have been left at the roadside unattended while the driver has gone for help.

"In such a predicament many motorists will be concerned about getting the car fixed and may forget that they have left valuables in the vehicle that could attract opportunists."

Tony adds that joining one of the many motoring organisations and always ensuring that there is more than enough petrol in the car before a long journey can also reduce the risk.

He went on: "Whilst good preparation can help there is always the possibility that a driver may come across other irresponsible drivers and it is worth trying to stay calm and not make eye contact to prevent a confrontation."

Parking near street lights and away from anything that can restrict the view of the vehicle is always advisable and check the car for for any damage before driving off.

Tony concluded: "Most of the advice is second nature to most people but safe driving increases awareness.

"If the opportunity is removed - the offender can't make you a victim."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.