Car thieves are "earning" £100 a day breaking into vehicles in car parks.

A record 52 were entered or stolen in Brighton and Hove city centre during one week recently and police are worried many more motorists will fall victim in the run-up to Christmas.

A small hard core of car raiders are chalking up scores of hits. Most are drug addicts looking for easy money to feed their habits.

Inspector Steve Barry said they could earn £100 a day and an average of 34 cars a week were being broken into or stolen in the city centre.

The number climbed to 100 a week in the whole of Brighton and Hove.

Mr Barry said: "It proves very lucrative for the small number of prolific villains who are out every day looking for targets.

"Most have serious drug problems and stealing from cars helps pay for habits.

"Car crime has been a serious problem for several months now and we need to raise the awareness to protect Christmas shoppers."

Operation Trucker, which targets car villains, has netted several offenders.

One is currently before the courts and police are pressing for an antisocial behaviour order banning him from car parks and vehicles except public transport.

Operation Trucker involves high-profile patrols and covert surveillance.

Mr Barry said: "We have received excellent co-operation from NCP and Churchill Square managements and we will be stepping up operations.

"In the meantime, we are asking the public to help."

Mr Barry said the simple message was: "Leave nothing in your car."

"Thieves will take anything - umbrellas, small change, music tapes, even map books."

Stereos and CD players were currently the favourite targets for thieves who forced locks or smashed windows.

Mr Barry said: "Don't hide items under blankets or clothing - that advertises you are trying to hide something valuable.

"Don't unload shopping in your car and return to the shops to buy more items.

"If you have to leave anything in your vehicle then lock it away in the boot, out of sight.

"The most important thing to do is lock all doors and windows.

"We want people to avoid falling victim to car criminals but we can't do this alone - people must help themselves."

Mr Barry urged anyone with information about car crime to call Brighton and Hove police on 0845 6070999.