The North Devon Journal has launched a hard-hitting campaign to reduce crime figures in the area.

The Don’t Bother campaign sends out a stark message to opportunist thieves whose crimes are being made easier by motorists leaving valuable goods on display in their cars.

Brightly-coloured notices which say: “Don’t Bother. This vehicle has been emptied of all valuable items” are available from the Journal’s offices and sales outlets, and are designed to be left in vehicles as a message and warning to thieves.

The partnership initiative across the police districts of Torridge and North Devon is also aimed at educating the motorists to remember not to tempt thieves by leaving valuables in their vehicles.

The Government has told police to cut vehicle crime by 30 per cent in the next five years, and the Don’t Bother idea came from a similar initiative in Bristol which reduced figures by 27 per cent.

In the last six months, there have been more than 500 thefts from vehicles in the Torridge and North Devon area, resulting in the loss of about 200,000 pounds in the value of items and cost of damage. Eighteen out of 20 vehicles broken into had valuables left on display.

Sgt Jeff Pearce of Bideford police said: “The notice is designed to show the thief that the vehicle owner is responsible and has removed all valuable items before leaving it secure.”

Officers have also been sticking the notices on windscreens when valuables can be seen in cars. The notice looks like a parking fine, but actually points out that drivers should be more careful when leaving their car unattended.

If the scheme is successful, it could be adopted by police forces across the country.

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