DUMMY parking tickets are to be issued to thousands of motorists across York to help them bite back at car criminals.

Police chiefs are to adopt the shock tactics as part of Operation Cobra - the campaign to crack down on a crime that claimed 5,055 victims last year.

Sergeant Richard Crinnion, of York Police, who is helping to spearhead the campaign, said the fake tickets would be placed on vulnerable vehicles in the city's car crime hotspots by officers on their patrols.

The inside of the notice contains vital information about how to make your vehicle safe.

"We want people to stand up and take notice," Sgt Crinnion said.

"The information will warn them that their car is vulnerable and at risk from being broken into. Issuing the tickets is hard hitting, but it will ensure that drivers will read what's inside."

York Police and the Evening Press have teamed up to launch Operation Cobra - a campaign to crack down on a crime that created an average of 14 victims every day in 2004.

The 12-month partnership will focus on thieves who target streets and car parks across the York area and those who see parked vehicles with valuables left inside as a "shop window" for property.

It will help police name and shame prolific and persistent car criminals when they are brought before the courts.

Sgt Crinnion said the dummy tickets would also be issued in foreign languages like French, Italian and German, in order to target tourists who are visiting York over the summer.

A Cobra hotline number will soon be opened to enable motorists to apply for a free security pack, containing an ultra-violet pen so they can mark their property, making it easier to identify if it is stolen and subsequently recovered.

Police chiefs have released five steps to help motorists to secure their cars:

1. Lock it. Always keep your car locked.

2. Hide it. Do not leave anything on view in your car.

3. Park it. Park in busy or well-lit areas near CCTV cameras.

4. Fit it. Have an electronic immobiliser fitted and clearly mark all valuables with your name and postcode.

5. Move it. Don't leave keys on view by front doors or windows.

If you do see something suspicious or have information which could help - phone York Police on 0845 60 60 247 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Updated: 10:15 Thursday, April 07, 2005