DON'T turn your windscreen into a shop window, that's the message from RAC Auto Windscreens, an official partner of the Home Office's on-going initiative to combat car crime.

Theft from cars affects about 600,000 Briton’s every year, but taking one basic precaution, putting all valuables out of sight, could dramatically reduce the odds of being a victim of smash and grab robbery, since over half of all car crime is opportunist.

The Home Office, along with RAC Auto Windscreens, is encouraging motorists to adopt an out-of-sight, out-of-reach approach, particularly since criminals are taking greater risks to commit crime. It’s also backing the launch of the Safe Sack, a bright orange drawstring bag, which not only aims to educate and bring home the reality of car crime, but also acts as a reminder to keep valuables out of temptation’s way. It includes a notice designed to be placed in the front windscreen, advising passers by that the vehicle has been emptied of all valuables.

The launch of the Safe Sack was prompted by research undertaken by RAC Auto Windscreens, which replaced over 200,000 side and rear windows last year, most of which were broken by criminal damage. In discussion groups staged by the company, seven out of 10 car owners admitted to being risk takers, regularly leaving their belongings in full view. Nearly half of the group gave the excuse of being too busy to take the precaution, a quarter simply forgot and a further third claimed they had nowhere to put anything.

The Safe Sack contains useful information on fighting car crime, including a leaflet with security tips. The sack is designed to hold all valuable items and must be concealed in a handbag or briefcase before being removed from the car. The sack must never be placed under the seat or in the boot, or carried so that it is visible in public. The Safe Sack is available free from any one of the company's 161 fitting centres, on production of a valid driving licence. For details of your nearest fitting centre, phone the Sack Line on 0800 587 6820, or log on to www. racautowindscreens.co.uk