REDDITCH town centre has seen a 'steep rise' in car crime, despite police attempts to combat the problem.

Central sector sgt Stuart Crebbin said police dealt with 18 thefts from vehicles, four stolen vehicles and five cases of vehicle interference since May 15.

But in March West Mercia Police stepped up police patrols to fight car crime.

Automatic number-plate recognition checks were conducted and the 'vulnerable vehicle scheme' launched to enable patrolling officers to contact car owners with vehicles at risk.