A WIRRAL woman is calling for a police crackdown after car thieves targeted her neighbourhood..

Police are investigating several thefts from vehicles in Wallasey. Neighbourhood Inspector Cliff Barr told the Globe: "We are aware of the problem and are actively targeting the 'hotspot' areas. There are a number of operations currently running to target the main offenders, coupled with high visibility policing.

"Wallasey has suffered problems with car crime as the majority of the area is on-street parking. Therefore, we urge car owners to be extra vigilant and ensure they remove all valuables before leaving their vehicle."

In one incident, yobs damaged the wheel of Jacqueline Jeffes' parents, Huw and Mary Owen's, car in Wickham Close on Christmas Eve and returned on New Year's Eve - damaging the car door.

Jacqueline told the Globe that the car plays a vital role in her parent's lives and says it is their lifeline to the outside world. Huw uses the car to take Mary shopping: "My dad is now without the car, because he has to park it outside my niece's house to keep it safe. Now they are worried that it could become another target.

"If it happens again, I think it will wreck both my parents' confidence and my mum's legs. I don't think I could cope if it happened again. Another car was damaged in the same week and it seems to be the same cars that are being targeted," she said.

Police have also issued the following crime prevention advice in a bid to clamp down on car crime: Remember that your car is like a shop window for thieves. If you can see any property in your car, so can the thief. Make sure you put all your property out of sight, or even better take it out of the car completely. Think of getting a slide mount radio or CD, as they can be removed from the car easily and out of harm's way.

A good quality, highly visible, steering lock is effective as it is awkward and time consuming to remove. Fit an audible alarm - they are effective and if they are linked to an immobiliser even better. Have your car etched. Having your car registration etched on various parts of the vehicle makes it less attractive for the 'parts' thief.