VEHICLE crime across Teignbridge has shifted into top gear, police have warned.

They admit that auto-crooks have been much busier than usual in making motorists victims of crime.

Officers are urging drivers to take more security precautions after dealing with 16 offences in the last week alone.

Plans are now afoot for a specially rigged-up car, fitted out by police, to be parked locally to catch culprits.

The booby-trapped car triggers photo alarms which snap the offenders.