HAMPSHIRE police have stepped up efforts to reduce car crime with a visit to Winchester South Park and Ride.

Tanya Thompson, crime prevention officer for Hampshire Police, and city council parking manager Richard Hein attended the car park early in the morning on Tuesday, October 19 to talk to customers about the issue of vehicle crime.

Ms Thompson said: "We are encouraging people to remove items from their vehicles, even an old coat can tempt a thief who thinks it might be hiding something.”

She also addressed the issue of catalytic converter thefts, some of which occurred in Winchester last week. She said: “Catalytic converters contain three precious metals and are very expensive to replace. They are being taken from 4x4s or vans with a high clearance allowing the thief to slide under the vehicle to remove the 'cat' from the exhaust. Specialist equipment is needed to remove the precious metals and we would like any information detailing where the 'cats' are being sold.”

They were joined by PCSO Richard Nolan and PCSO Gavin Cooper who helped give out special packs to commuters containing information on how to protect vehicles and valuables within them, along with an ultraviolet pen with which to mark valuables with names and addresses.

Winchester South park and ride is the newest of 18 car parks in the city which are part of the Park Mark national safety scheme.