CAR crime in Huddersfield is being slashed.

Police and community safety chiefs have said they would step up a gear to thwart car thieves.

And they are claiming success, with the number of thefts from vehicles down to 177 in August, as against July's 256.

"This is a significant reduction and I am absolutely delighted," said Det Chief Insp Tony Craven, crime manager for the Huddersfield police division.

But community safety chiefs and the police said they were not complacent.

They are also urging motorists to be more vigilant and reduce their chances of becoming a car crime victim.

Det Chief Insp Craven said: "We aim to drive that figure down even further.

"We are targeting individuals, raising our game and making their lives uncomfortable, thanks to the tactics we have employed with partner agencies.

"But we also want the public to do their bit."

Kirklees Safer Communities Partnership has been working with the police to drastically cut the amount of thefts from vehicles.

As part of a three-year plan they have been increasing public awareness of crime prevention and improving security at car parks.

They are also targeting offenders and the markets where stolen goods are sold.

Chris Walsh, principal community safety officer, said: "A few simple steps can discourage car thieves.

"Findings from the most recent British Crime Survey indicate that stolen cars are far less likely to have simple security measures, such as alarms, immobilisers and window etching.

"Victims can reduce their chances of being targeted by thinking about where they park, using a garage if they have one and taking care of their keys at all times," he added.

"Some burglars take car keys to steal vehicles. The public can play a pivotal role in preventing thefts from their vehicles by ensuring that valuables are either hidden - or better still removed and locking their vehicle at all times."

Police have stepped up patrols in vulnerable areas.

Det Chief Insp Craven also warned car thieves that although vehicle crime does not attract as severe a sentence as more serious crimes - such as house burglary - the police and the courts are using the full weight of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, better known as Asbos.

"The evidence trail for Asbos begins when someone is locked up for vehicle crime the first time," he added.

"They allow us to ask the court to put stringent conditions on people's lifestyles - which we are doing at every opportunity.

"Breaching an Asbo can lead to five years in prison," said Det Chief Insp Craven.