Police say making motorists more aware of vehicle crime has led to more than arrests.

A total of 84 arrests have been made since Operation Spyder began in December 2013.

Led by Enfield Police and Enfield Borough Council, the operation sought to raise awareness of car theft as a way of preventing vehicle crime.

In the past 12 months in Enfield, there were 3,109 reported thefts from vehicles, compared with 2955 for the previous 12 months, an increase in 5.4 per cent.

Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Achilleas Georgiou, said: “We are absolutely determined to drive down vehicle crime and Operation Spyder is having real success in reducing crime in Enfield.

“Most criminals are opportunistic and will leave a vehicle alone if there is not of value on display. I’d urge motorists to take sensible precautions so their vehicles aren’t targeted by thieves because repairing the damage they cause can be a costly and time consuming process.”