CAR criminals in East Lancashire have taken a special fancy to Citroen Saxos, owners were warned today.

Officers working on Operation Freedom, a five-man unit targeting auto crime, have identified the T-registered Citroen Saxo as being the car most likely to be broken into.

Sgt Jim Masterman, in charge of the initiative set up specifically to tackle vehicle crime in the Pennine Division of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, said: "We have now written personally to everyone in the division who owns a T-registered Citroen Saxo to warn them that thieves are targeting their cars. We have had a very positive response with owners welcoming our crime prevention advice.

"Some of the steps they can take to protect their vehicle and their property are quite simple and only take a moment.

"But remembering to take them can make all the difference." Among the tips are:

Don't leave any property on view, particularly credit card receipts or utility bills.

Lock the car and boot.

Use your garage, especially at night.

Use a theft-proof vehicle excise licence holder.