POLICE in Herts are biting back at car crime with a new initiative – Operation Tarantula. The recently launched campaign will involve a number of events aimed at informing the public about how to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime. Insp A

POLICE in Herts are biting back at car crime with a new initiative - Operation Tarantula.

The recently launched campaign will involve a number of events aimed at informing the public about how to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime.

Insp Andy Piper, who is leading the project in North and East Herts, said: "Herts is a safe county, but we cannot be complacent.

"Operation Tarantula is offering prevention advice to motorists as it is a preventable crime.

"If you do not leave anything on show in your car then thieves will not be tempted to break in," he said.

Events taking place will include demonstrations in car parks showing how easy it is for thieves to break into cars.

A high-visibility publicity and poster campaign will be rolled out across Herts.

Linda Wharmby, North Herts District Council's community safety manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to support Herts Police and our partner agencies with this initiative.

"It is important not to leave any items on display in your vehicle, even an empty bag is a temptation to a thief."

Chief Inspector for North Herts, Geoff Camp, said: "We want North Herts to remain a low crime area and the public have a key role to play.

"You can protect yourselves from becoming the victim of this type of crime by taking basic crime preventative measures.