POLICE are urging people to keep their vehicles safe after the number of car crimes last year was revealed.

Figures show that there were almost 25,000 reported incidents of vehicle crime in Greater Manchester last year.

The total of 24,298 reported by GMP was the third highest in 2016, behind only the Metropolitan Police and West Midlands Police.

89,900 car crimes were recorded in the Metropolitan Police area and West Midlands was just above Greater Manchester at 29,106.

Research by Click4Reg.co.uk shows that 43 per cent of car crimes committed nationally occur as a result of drivers not locking their doors adequately.

Figures from the ONS show that 71 per cent of vehicle theft occurs during the week and 43 per cent take place at night.

The figures come as police in Bolton are warning people about security involving their car keys.

Officers have said that there has been an increasing number of burglaries where car keys are being targeted so the offender can then take the car.

There have been an increasing number of burglaries recently where car keys are targeted. Never leave car or other keys in open view of your letterbox or ground floor window where an offender could easily access them by fishing them out, consider installing a cage on the inside of the letter box. Most people enter the home and leave keys in hallways, on kitchen tables or even keep them in the door lock and offenders are taking advantage of this!

Advice on what to do if your vehicle is stolen can be found online at https://goo.gl/RLgxFR