A two-week campaign to reduce car crime has been launched in north Kent.

Neighbourhood policing teams will be running crime prevention sessions across Dartford and handing out free crime prevention packs.

Traditionally, police say, this time of year sees a rise in vehicle crime as drivers leave new gadgets such as satellite navigation systems or mobile phones in their cars.

Since 2004, such crime has dropped by 45 per cent according to the force, but Ch Insp Philip Painter says North Kent Police are launching the campaign to keep levels down.

He said: “North Kent remains safe for car owners with the chances of becoming a victim of crime low.

“However, there are measures, which can be taken by motorists to prevent themselves from being an easy target.

“Our message is simple. If you leave your car unattended, even for a short space of time, make sure you take your valuables with you.”

As well as the crime prevention sessions, police also plan to patrol car parks to deter thieves and to give advice to motorists who leave items on display.

There will also be road checks to ensure vehicles are not being used to commit crime.

Sessions will be running today (Thursday) from 9am until noon at Temple Hill Library, Temple Hill Square, Dartford, from 1pm to 4pm at the Co-op, Colney Road, Dartford, and in Steele Avenue, Greenhithe, from 4pm to 8pm.

On Friday officers will be at Next Generation, Princes Road, Dartford from 4pm to 8pm.

And finally, on January 21 officers will be at the Londis Store, Maplehurst Close, Bexley Park, from 9am to noon and the Co-op, Chastilian Road, Dartford, from 1pm to 4pm.