Ref. 73132-16 Luke Bowns and Nicole Cotrell receive their bags from promoters Erin Leighton and Virginia Silberberg at the Adver roadshow at Canal Walk yesterdayMOTORISTS have been snapping up the their free RAC Safe Sacks as part of the Adver's fight against car crime.

The sacks donated by RAC Auto Windscreen have been handed out during this week's Adver roadshows to promote our new look.

Drivers fill the sack with their valuables, and take it with them after parking.

First in the queue at Canal Walk yesterday was 20-year-old Matt Rudnik, a Nationwide worker from Peatmoor.

He said: "I always take the lid off my CD player when I park, and try to remember to take my possessions with me.

"If thieves can't see anything on show, they won't try and break in.

"It will always remind me of the danger of thieves."

Mother-of-two Clare Arthurs, 30, of Pembroke Park, said: "The bags are a really great idea, they will remind me to take my possessions with me.

"I usually do, but this campaign just makes you realise how dangerous it is to leave things in your car."

Retired security guard Gary Carnell, 65, from Kingshill, was another to pick one up.

"As a security guard I saw many instances of car breaks.

"It's often easy to see how they could have been avoided because people left items on show."

Luke Bowns, 17, of Nine Elms, is giving his sack to his mum.

"The other day I walked past six cars which had their windows smashed.

"It's a good idea to raise awareness about the risk.

"Mum is fairly good about it though."

Scores of our Keep Your Car Clear posters have gone up across town this week. They warn motorists that car crime is rising in the borough, adding that they are the ones who can do something to reverse the trend.

It is endorsed by Wiltshire Constabulary and Swindon Council.

The police say most car thieves are drug addicts who do not think twice about the misery their offending causes.

Shop managers can help raise awareness by putting up posters.

Any remaining Safe Sacks will be handed out at the Adver stand outside the House of Fraser in Canal Walk tomorrow.

What you should do

Try to park in a busy, well-lit place, preferably beneath a light.

Never leave valuables in view most insurance companies will not cover replacement costs for the loss of personal effects.

Where possible, close the cover on your stereo or take it with you when leaving the vehicle.

Never leave handbags, laptop cases or briefcases in sight even if empty.

It sounds obvious, but police are stunned by the number of motorists who ignore the most basic precaution always lock doors and shut windows.

When loading valuables into the boot of a car that will be left unattended, look around is anyone watching?

Fit a car alarm.

Never leave coats in your car thieves will break in to see if there is a wallet in the pocket.

Order one by emailing Tamash Lal