A CAMPAIGN to crack down on crime in car parks is being promoted by a Warrington MP.

Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North, served on the committee that examined the Vehicles (Crime) Bill and recognised the significant contribution that the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Secured Car Parks scheme has had in reducing car park crime.

Thefts from vehicles represents about 20 per cent of recorded crime and more than a million motorists are victims every year. Nearly a quarter of these vehicle crimes take place in car parks. The secured car park scheme involves good levels of surveillance and lighting and effective levels of security patrol staff and management practices.

Helen said: "I will be pressing car park owners in Warrington North to examine the benefits of the scheme train operators, hospitals and supermarkets are all oblivious organisations who should look at joining up and certainly review the self-assessment measures published by the ACPO."

The borough council has two secured schemes at the Golden Square and Market car parks.