CAR owners in Hawkesbury Upton are being urged to lock their car doors ahead of an expected rise in crime.

Police are warning 'trusting' motorists in the village that the credit crunch could lead to more thefts and burglaries.

PCSO Paul Fortune said: "At present in the current climate with money being short, the knock-on effect is that there is a possibility that crime will rise, especially burglary and theft form motor vehicles.

"Whilst on my routine patrols it has come to my attention that the good people of Hawkesbury are a trusting community in that many people leave their cars unlocked or with windows down."

PCSO Fortune said residents should also take more time to check their front doors are locked.

He added: "Take time to look around your garden or shed for things that could be used to gain access to your house as a spade is often used to gain entry to houses.

"I wish the world was full of honest, good people but the reality is there are a small number of people out there who believe that your property be their property."

For further crime prevention advice visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk or contact PCSO Fortune at paul.fortune@avonandsomerset.police.uk