Motorists who dump bags full of Christmas presents in their vehicles before hitting the shops again could spend the festive season sorting out a car insurance claim, police have warned.

Officers in West Yorkshire have said drivers who leave valuables on display are making themselves vulnerable to opportunist criminals.

Extra patrols have been organised in Airedale and north Bradford, so police can keep watch over car parks to discourage thieves who may be lurking.

However, drivers were advised to take steps to reduce their chances of being targeted.

Chief Inspector Mick Hanks said: "We would advise all drivers to make sure their cars are securely locked with nothing on display."

He stated motorists should try to avoid dropping presents off in a vehicle before rushing away to do more shopping, as this can "prove to be a real gift for criminals".

Meanwhile, police in Leeds have been handing out free cloths to drivers, in a bid to encourage them to wipe away satnav marks from their windscreens and dashboards.

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