BROMSGROVE police have launched a campaign to reduce car crime and increase the number of detections.

Vehicle crime, which includes theft from or of a car and taking a vehicle without consent, fell by more than 19 per cent during 2004-05, but detections were three per cent short of their target.

Acting chief inspector Stacey Williamson said: "The level of recorded vehicle crime in Bromsgrove is heading in the right direction, but we believe that more can be done.

"This is why we have launched Operation Jade, a three-month initiative to focus specifically on car crime.

"Each time an offence is reported to us an officer will attend and will record exactly what has happened with full details of any damage or items stolen.

"They will identify any forensic opportunities and establish potential witnesses and possible CCTV evidence at the earliest opportunity. They will also offer support to the victim of the offence and will give regular updates of any progress."

Operation Jade will run in parallel with the vulnerable vehicle scheme, an initiative used on a regular basis across the division to focus on opportunist car crime.

Officers keep a look out for any vehicle that has been left by its owner in a "vulnerable" state. This may mean that items such as handbags and mobile phones have been left on display inside the car or the vehicle is insecure.

Registered owners of any such cars will be written to by the police, informing them their car has been left vulnerable to car crime and giving them relevant security advice.

Anyone who hears a car alarm or sees anyone acting suspiciously or trying car doors should contact Bromsgrove police by calling 08457 444 888.