CAR crime figures show lawabiding residents may not have been the only ones taking a break at Easter.

Thieves also seem to have put business on the back burner, according to the first set of figures available for vehicle crime offences between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

They show a 50% reduction in vehicle-related offences in the Ellesmere Port & Neston Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU) area.

Inspector Richard Rees, who heads policing in the area, said: 'I'm confident the operations we had running over the break contributed to these excellent results.

'All over the area we kept a close eye on areas we know are targeted by thieves.

'In addition, locations which attract lots of visitors - which in turn can attract thieves - are getting better all the time when it comes to security.

'I think drivers themselves are also doing what they can to make their vehicles less vulnerable. The figures show this combination is paying off.'

Easter 2006 saw a total of 18 vehicle crime offences recorded in the NPU.

This year, the first set of figures available shows the figure for 2007 is just eight of fences.

The statistic is made up of two categories - theft of a motor vehicle and theft from a motor vehicle.

The fact that many crimes go unreported for a number of days before being reported means the 2007 figure may change over the coming days, but the fact such a large decrease has been recorded is encouraging.

Insp Rees said: 'Crime figures are just one side of the story when it comes to policing.

'It's good to see, however, there are a fewer number of people coughing up for repair or replacement bills.

'I can assure people officers will keep working throughout the year in a bid keep up this positive trend. I encourage drivers and anyone else who can play a part to carry on doing all they can too.'

The high-visibility patrols over the Easter break were supported by less obvious policing tactics such as the use of decoy vehicles and stop checks, which help detect travelling criminals.