EYE IN THE SPY ON CAR PARK THIEVES

The problem is particularly acute in rural car parks over the holiday periods.

On Tuesday the Force helicopter landed on Ditchling Common car park to draw drivers' attention to the need to take valuables with them or leave them in the boot.

As well as turning out over the long weekend, the helicopter will also be instructed as a matter of course to pass over rural car parks while going to and returning from incidents.

The helicopter has the added advantage of acting as a deterrent to crime and carrying vital recording equipment.

The latest police anti-theft publicity also includes placing leaflets and posters in vulnerable car parks.

There will also be extra police patrols.

But at the end of the day it is up to motorists to use their common sense and hide their valuables away from the watchful gaze of would-be thieves.