MOTORISTS driving certain types of older cars have been warned: Thieves are after your vehicles.
Police officers have revealed the kind of cars thieves are now targeting in the Dewsbury, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe police area.
The cars the thieves steal most are J to M registered vehicles, particularly Ford Fiestas, Escorts, Transit Vans, Vauxhall Cavaliers and Corsas.
This means people who drive these cars are more likely to be stopped by patrolling officers.
Det Chief Insp Aidan Byrne of Dewsbury police said: "Recent analysis within the division shows that 61% of all stolen cars are in the above category.
"We are focusing our efforts on this kind of vehicle, stopping and checking drivers to make sure the cars are not stolen.
"It is a very quick and easy procedure. While we don't wish to delay legitimate people going about their normal business, I'm sure others will recognise the benefits of us focusing our attention in this way on these vehicles."
People who are stopped will be offered an Over 25 sticker to put in the windscreen, which indicates that the car is not normally driven at night or by anyone under the age of 25.
Police arrested five boys and men aged from 14 to 22 in connection with car theft yesterday. More arrests are expected.
