Ravaged by thieves and abandoned on its axles, the owners of this sorry-looking vehicle are the latest victim in a new crime wave gripping York.

Behind the epidemic an organised gang; targeting visitors cars parked outside hotels and blemishing the city's reputation as a haven for tourists.

Following the discovery of the Vauxhall Astra parked outside a guest house in Grosvenor Terrace, police in the city are now launching a new campaign aimed at turning back this rising tide of car crime. Worrying statistics reveal since April 1, police in the northern area of York have recorded a startling 93 thefts from unattended vehicles. Combined with the 300 reported since the New Year, this figure has caused mounting police concerns.

Sgt Tim Bright, for York's northern police division, says the numbers represent a major cause for concern and a serious need for action.

He said: "This marks a dramatic increase in these offences. A lot of these crimes are taking place from vehicles belonging to tourists on holiday in York, parked outside hotels and guest houses."

He says areas such as Bootham, Clifton and Haxby Road, which are lined with tourist accommodation, represent rich pickings for the thieves.

Regular hauls include video cameras, car radios and suitcases - often containing designer clothing.

Now police are stepping up action with the launch of their new campaign.

During the next few weeks officers will be embarking on undercover surveillance operations at major crime hot spots in a bid to trap the gang spearheading the thefts.

This will go arm-in-arm with attempts to raise awareness among hoteliers, guest house owners and publicans in the hope they will warn visitors staying on their premises.

They are currently printing a series of posters and leaflets which warn tourists, in a variety of languages, of the dangers of leaving unattended valuables in their vehicles.

The move has been welcomed by hoteliers in the city, many of whom already alert visitors to the dangers.

Kim Robbins, chairwoman of the City of York Hotels and Guest Houses Association, who also runs Arnot House guest house in Grosvenor Terrace, said: "I know some guest house owners do not tell their guests of the dangers because they do not want to create a bad impression.

"But our policy is always to warn them, it is much better to be honest about these things.

"We cannot afford to be complacent and from this point of view we totally support the police campaign."

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