POLICE in Cowley, Oxford, are attempting to snare would-be car thieves by luring them into stealing a "trap" car.

Cowley Sgt Paul Jackson admitted burglary and car crime had risen in the area during the last few months.

He said: "Burglary and autocrime is still an issue. We have done some pro-active operations which also involved the use of a trap car.

"Should the offender or offenders find this particular car and attack it they will be in for a nasty surprise."

Sgt Jackson also told Oxford City Council's Cowley area committee that there had been a slight increase in burglaries on homes.

He said: "We are doing high profile patrols and being supported by officers throughout the police area, to continue to combat issues of burglary and autocrime.

"We would advise people to always lock your car and put away any valuables that may be of interest to thieves."

Sgt Jackson said, at the meeting at the John Bunyan Baptist Church, Crowell Road, there were ongoing problems with antisocial behaviour in Peat Moors, where vandals knocked down part of a wall twice in a matter of weeks.

He said: "We are working with the Crime and Nuisance Action Team, Canact, to combat that behaviour.

"There is one particular individual we would like to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, because that person's Asbo is about to finish.

"Providing we have sufficent evidence to obtain a further Asbo we will work with Canact to obtain that."

Sgt Jackson said Cowley's two new Police Community Support Officers, PCSOs, had started work and were providing a high visibility police presence in the area.

He said one of the PCSOs was walking the beat while the other patrolled by bicycle.

A third PCSO for the area is due to start training later this month.

Meetings to inform Cowley residents about plans to roll out neighbourhood policing in the area are due to be held next month.

The next meeting will take place at the Morris Motors Social Club, in Crescent Road, between 6pm and 8pm on Monday, May 21.

There will be another opportunity to find out more at the Regal Community Centre, in Ridgefield road, on Wednesday, May 23.