Motorists in Scotland have been warned to ensure their belongings are out of sight when they leave their vehicles, it has been reported.
According to the Hamilton Advertiser, a car park in Motherwell has been named among the most likely sites for break-ins.
In addition, the news source remarked that satellite navigation systems are top of criminals' wanted list, while laptop computers and mobile phones are also popular with thieves,
A break-in may damage a car insurance policy, as cover firms could see the driver involved as negligent and increase costs for them.
"Attractive items such as mobile phones, laptop computers, credit cards, cash and recently purchased shopping which are left in view may be too much of a temptation to the would-be thief," said Dougie Denholm, local crime reduction officer.
Statistics from the Home Office show that vehicle crime rates fell by four per cent in 2006 to 2007 compared to the 12 months previous.
