Crime conscious car owners are backing an Evening News sponsored scheme to put the brake on car thieves. An incredible 185 motorists have joined a crime prevention initiative in just six days since the BEN revealed details of the scheme's re-launch. Readers have been queuing up to join the 25 Scheme which was re-launched by the Bolton Crime Prevention Panel in conjunction with the police. The scheme is being sponsored by the Evening News.

The scheme works on the principle that 80 per cent of car crime is committed by thieves under the age of 25.

All members of the scheme are issued with bright triangular stickers to display on their windscreen and rear window.

The stickers are difficult to remove and indicate that the vehicle should normally only be driven by a person aged over 25. The scheme invites police officers to stop the car if they suspect it is being driven by anyone aged under that age.

Proceeds from the sale of the stickers - which cost £1 for two - will be used by the crime prevention panel to fund local crime prevention initiatives.

ANYONE wishing to join the 25 Scheme is asked to contact their local police station or call into the Bolton Evening News offices in Churchgate. Cheques or postal orders for £1 should be made payable to the Bolton Crime Prevention Panel and sent to the panel c/o PO Box 232, Bolton, BL1 5FX.

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