POLICE took to the streets of Clifton to highlight the dangers of opportunistic crime.

The York North Safer Neighbourhood Team walked more than 60 streets on Thursday, checking vehicles for items which could prove tempting for thieves.

The operation followed a rise in the number of thefts from unattended vehicles in November - nine by November 20, higher than every previous month since January, but still lower than last year.

PC Steve Gillespie set up the operation, and said: "In comparison to last year, we're on course for a 50 per cent reduction for this type of offence in Clifton, but since it appears we're going to have the highest month for this kind of offence, we want to make sure it doesn't peak too high.

"People are getting more careless so this is good opportunity to educate. There are also people out and about on the street who have form for this type of offence. It could be due to the run-up to Christmas or an addiction getting out of hand but they are resorting to this type of offence for easy money."

Officers checked for valuables and where they were visible, attempted to find the owner and shared crime prevention advice.

Within minutes PC Gillespie found a car parked at Little Acorns nursery which not only had an open handbag on show in the passenger seat, but was unlocked. He spoke to the woman, who did not wish to be named but was grateful for the advice.

She said: "It's a good reminder because I'm rushing all the time, it's easy to forget. It's a nice nursery and feels safe, and you don't think there will be dodgy people, but there's always a chance."

More than 30 vehicles were checked during the operation, which was the first of many expected to take place in coming weeks.

Inspector Lee Pointon said: "Most things on display weren't valuable, bags without anything of value in them. The owner might know that, but criminals don't, so you might lose much property but you'll have to pay your insurance company and have your window repaired. People need to put things in their boot or out of sight, or in the house, and remove that temptation as much as possible."