THIEVES who break into cars in the New Forest could find themselves caught on surveillance kit.

Every year hundreds of people who park up to go for a walk return and find their cars have been targeted by thieves.

As well as the cost and inconvenience, thefts can also bring heartbreak to those who lose items of sentimental value.

In a bid to beat the blight, Hampshire Police and the New Forest Community Safety Partnership have launched their new Trap Car scheme. It involves vehicles fitted with special monitoring equipment which clicks into action the moment it detects a break-in beginning.

Evidence gathered will be used in court to ensure successful prosecutions.

The cars will be parked at crime hot spots throughout the forest.

In addition, car window stickers asking the question, "Is this a trap car?" are being handed out to drivers who can use them as a deterrent to thieves.

Posters posing the same question will be displayed at shops, petrol filling stations, car parks and council offices.

Leading the operation DI Dave Brown said: "We are taking a different approach to reducing vehicle crime in the New Forest. In the past police have been very good at providing advice to motorists about not leaving items in their vehicle and will continue to do so.

"This campaign is aimed at potential offenders. We are ensuring that they get the message that they should not take the risk of breaking into vehicles in the New Forest as they run an extremely high risk of getting caught."

New Forest District Council crime and disorder portfolio-holder Cllr Goff Beck said: "The Community Safety Partnership is pleased to support this campaign and hope it will have a positive effect of reducing vehicle crime in the New Forest."

Trap Car window stickers are being distributed in the Lymington branch of Waitrose between 2.30pm and 3.30pm today.