SPORTS cars have always been a common target for thieves looking for a little bit of excitement.

But recent advances in vehicle security has made life a lot more difficult for car criminals, according to crime fighters.

Latest figures from the 'Car Theft Index' issued by the Home Office show that more and more of the larger cars and sports models are falling into the low risk category.

Local police say that the national report does tally with local trends and provides a good insight into the changing habits of car thieves.

Community safety officer at Altrincham, PC Tony Crompton told SAM: "The report classes a vehicle that has had more than 21 out of every 1,000 on the roads stolen as being 'high risk'."

Tony says that each of the categories covered in recent Carwatch articles clearly indicate which cars are favourite for thieves.

He went on: "The last three sections include large saloons, sports cars and people carriers and makes interesting reading.

"In the saloons category, the only cars found to be most at risk were: 1993-98 models of the Mercedes 200 and 300 whilst those least at risk were: the Vauxhall Vectra SRi, Volvo S40 and V40, Audi A6 and S6, all BMW 523's, Daewoo Leganza and the Saab 9.5, 95 and 96."

Tony added: "The sports car category is another where security is clearly improving with those most at risk being: 1996-98 models of the Lotus Esprit, all 1987 to date Porsche 911 and recent Toyota Supra's.

"Those least susceptible were: the Ford Cougar and Puma, the Mercedes CLK, the Toyota Paseo, all TVR's after 1990 and the Porsche Boxster and Carrera.

"Finally the only high risk vehicle in the people carrier category is the Citroen Berlingo - all the other 1993 onwards models are classed as either low or medium risk."

Tony says that the report is just a guideline.

He concluded: "It doesn't matter what car you have - new or old - if you are not security conscious then you are far more likely to become a victim of car crime."

If you have any information about car criminals call the Crimestoppers SMART (Stop Motor-crime And Ring Today) centre on 0800 555111.

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