POLICE in Hertfordshire will begin taking DNA samples from any suspects in their custody charged with a vehicle-related offence as part of a new crackdown on car crime.

More than £100,000 of Government funding has been set aside specifically to take and record as many samples as possible as part of Operation Stopwatch.

Launching the scheme, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Maddison said: 'Traditionally, we only had the capacity to take DNA samples for serious crimes such as murder or rape.

'But recognising the high level of vehicle crime in this county and the need to reduce it, we have set aside more cash specifically to enable us to take more DNA samples as part of our ongoing Operation Stopwatch.'

Although police will concentrate on targeting the gangs responsible for the majority of vehicle crime, they hope hundreds of prominently placed posters, stickers and a radio advertisement on Chiltern FM will remind the public to keep their belongings secure.

Mr Maddison said: 'Since the renewed operational offensive began, my officers are discovering daily that people continue to leave valuable items on display in their vehicles.'

Last year, more than 200 laptops were reported stolen from cars, and theft from vehicles annually accounts for around 30 per cent of all crime in the county.

Mr Maddison added: 'Operation Stopwatch aims to crackdown on all vehicle crime and hammer home the message that there are some simple precautions people can always take to minimise the risk of becoming a victim.'