THE fight against vehicle crime is being joined by a group who know a few things about keeping cars secure - the motor traders themselves.

Members of City of York Council's Motor Traders Fair Trading Scheme are helping out by offering free security checks to motorists in the city.

They have teamed up with North Yorkshire Police as part of Operation Cobra, aimed at reducing vehicle crime in the city.

The security checks are intended to highlight simple steps motorists can take to help prevent the thieves from targeting their cars.

Each of the participating motor traders is giving away a free "Smart Water" property marking kit to the first ten customers.

The Evening Press revealed earlier this year that York Police were using the special marker fluid to clamp down on crime.

It is invisible to the eye when applied to property, and, because each kit has a unique chemical make-up, it allows the police to trace the owner if a stolen item is recovered - as well as providing vital evidence if thieves are caught with the telltale fluid on them.

Matt Boxall, principal trading standards officer at City of York Council, said: ''We are urging motorists in the city to come along to the garages offering these checks and take up the advice on offer.

"Auto traders are only eligible to join the Motor Traders Fair Trading Scheme if they demonstrate a genuine commitment to fair and honest trading.

"Trading standards officers audit members against customer standards higher than those imposed by law, and we regularly monitor any issues consumers have against those businesses to ensure the standards of the scheme are continually met.''

Sergeant Richard Crinnion, of York Police, said: "We are keen to raise people's awareness about vehicle crime at this time of year - particularly as people are perhaps buying expensive and potentially vulnerable items as presents.

"Car stereos are still the most common thing to be stolen from vehicles, but increasingly satellite navigation systems are being targeted.

"However, we also know that criminals will target bags and coats left in cars, on the off chance that there may be money or other valuable items like mobile phones or laptops inside.

"We encourage people to use Smart Water on their property because it is such a good deterrent and has led to many thieves being convicted."

Anyone interested in having a free security check can phone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 to obtain the details of participating members.

The traders offering the checks are:

Layerthorpe (VW), Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York (01904 479666)

Brecks Saab, York Business Park, Nether Poppleton (01904 520300)

Technical Car Services, 17 Alexandra Court, James St (01904 412742)

Glen Garage Suzuki, 12-14 Hawthorne Grove, Heworth (01904 425800)

Polar Ford, Jockey Lane, Monks Cross, Huntington (01904 625371)

Wills & Ellis, Poppleton Garage, Boroughbridge Road, York (01904 792651)

Pulleyn Wigginton Garage Ltd, Wigginton Road, York (01904 690742)

North Eastern Tyres & Exhausts, Centurion Park, Clifton Moor (01904 692500)

Car Care Centre, 5 James St, York (01904 412724)

Osbaldwick Motors, 179 Osbaldwick Lane, York (01904 412417).

Updated: 10:40 Thursday, December 22, 2005