YORK'S top ten car crime hotspots have been revealed.

Police chiefs have named the worst-hit areas in an effort to help the public beat the thieves.

Our graphic shows that last year car thieves were busiest in streets which include Front Street in Acomb, Etty Avenue in Tang Hall, Huntington Road, and the aptly-named Thief Lane.

There were 5,055 victims of car crime last year, who lost £2.5 million-worth of property.

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.

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

Senior officers want to cut vehicle-related crime by at least 15 per cent.

Sergeant Richard Crinnion, of York Police, who is helping to spearhead the operation, said students were the biggest victims of car crime in 2004, closely followed by tradesmen including, engineers, electricians and joiners.

"We can't and won't tolerate this level of car crime," he said.

"We will be identifying people we know are responsible and naming shaming those individuals in the press."

Sgt Crinnion said they would target the ten car crime hotspots in particular by consulting with residents, improving street lighting and increasing patrols.

"The public also have a responsibility to take property out of their cars as many of these thefts are opportunist," he said.

"I'm hoping we can have a significant impact on reducing car crime."

Sgt Crinnion said police officers would be giving safety advice and information to car buyers at second-hand car auctions, as well as working with second-hand shops and car boot sale organisers to ensure stolen goods were not sold.

The most common items stolen from vehicles last year included clothes, car stereos, tools and documents.

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: 09:57 Tuesday, April 05, 2005