AN operation to cut car crime discovered a staggering 42 vehicles which had been left unlocked by owners.

Police in Little Harwood discovered their first unlocked car in five minutes and as many as ten on one street.

Officers are now urging drivers to be more careful.

Friday’s operation found 42 unlocked vehicles between 8pm and 10pm.

Despite neighbourhood watch signs being posted in areas targeted, many people did not see officers opening their cars while parked on the driveway.

Sgt Rick Heck said: “We just found so many. We told householders their cars were unlocked and asked them to lock up. However on a Friday night people could come home after our operation and leave another dozen unlocked. So we kept on making the odd check until 3am, but it is really important people are aware that they are making things so easy for a car thief.”

Patrols targeted a number of roads in Little Harwood including St James Road, Laburnum Road and Providence Street.

One householder whose vehicle was locked came out to thank police.

Little Harwood resident Graham Cotton said: “I have left my car open in the past and my sat nav was stolen. We had come home with our premature baby and we had our hands full. It wasn’t until later I realised the sat nav was gone and I don’t usually leave it in there. There are some prolific thieves around here so you only need to leave it open once. One thief got in my neighbour’s car and got the radio out. I think it’s fantastic for the police to do these checks.”

Sgt Heck said: “In the past we have found quite valuable items sitting in unlocked cars like sat navs and laptops.

“Many people said they had just forgotten and seemed to take the message to heart. Other people said it was their habit to leave it unlocked and they were not planning on changing that so there is only so much we can do.”