POLICE are hoping it will soon be a case of 'lights, camera, action' as the latest hi-tech weapon against thieves is about to hit the road in Axbridge and Cheddar. A covert capture car, packed with the latest recording equipment, will be parked in areas

POLICE are hoping it will soon be a case of 'lights, camera, action' as the latest hi-tech weapon against thieves is about to hit the road in Axbridge and Cheddar. A covert capture car, packed with the latest recording equipment, will be parked in areas where car thieves have been operating in the hope it will catch them red-handed. Anyone who breaks into the car will be recorded on camera and police can move in to make an arrest. Cheddar police sergeant Peter Yensen said: "The thieves have been targeting streets as opposed to the tourist car parks, which is unusual for this time of year. We have analysed crime patterns, hoping we have chosen an appropriate place to be successful."We have had a number of break-ins in the area. The latest incident happened on Sunday night (April 29). In one week we had two break-ins and one car stolen."The thieves seem to be targeting Axbridge and the streets around Lower North Street and Hannah More Court in Cheddar."The other unusual thing is the crimes are not being committed by the same people. "We have already made several arrests in the last few weeks and we are getting the capture car in to make sure we catch everyone responsible."The Spring and summer tourism season is usually when crime statistics rise, as visitors to the area are targeted by thieves. Sgt Yensen added: "People are more relaxed when they are on holiday, so they are more likely to leave a bag on the back seat of their car."Not only this, but as the weather gets warmer, residents leave windows open in their cars and homes, giving easy access to an opportunist thief. "Everyone needs to remember that they should keep their property locked and not leave valuables on show.