CAR crime in Huddersfield last year cost insurers an average of £1,312 per victim.

And for drivers the crime means rocketing premiums.

Malcolm Taring, of the Association of British Insurers, said: "As cars and items often stolen - such as stereos and mobile phones - become more expensive, so does covering the cost.

"The figure will steadily rise over time and premiums will go up as a direct result of crime."

Nationally, insurance companies spent £437m in 2003 on claims for stolen cars or items taken from cars.

In Huddersfield, theft from cars remains high and bucks the trend of falling crime rates across the division. Last year there were more than 3,100 cases of items stolen from cars.

But newly-appointed crime manager Det Chief Insp Tony Craven, who is based in Huddersfield, plans a major crackdown.

He also sent a clear message to thieves: "We are coming to get you."

He has pledged that victims will get far better support than in the past.

Det Chief Insp Craven says drug addicts often see breaking into cars as an easy way to feed their habit.

He wants to make it clear they have a choice between a life of crime or getting treatment that will help them beat their addiction.

He said: "Since April, theft from cars is down by 186, year on year. But we are determined to improve.

"Because of the success the division has had at reducing household break-ins there are more resources to channel into targeting car crime."

Det Chief Insp Craven joined Calderdale Police last December and cut car break-ins significantly. In April this year in Calderdale the figure was 299 and by June it had fallen to 165.

He said: "I have spoken to people in the cells who have drug habits and are involved in crime. They need to understand it is up to them whether they turn back to crime or decide to get help.

"If they choose crime we will use every power available to us to bring them to justice."