A SPATE of car crime in the Kirkbymoorside area has left motorists fuming.

Cheeky thieves have been stealing side indicators from cars parked outside their owners' homes.

But drivers of everything from Mercedes to Minis need not worry - the thieves are only interested in Vauxhalls.

Resident Peter Mortlock said the indicators from his Vauxhall Zafira had been ripped off twice in the last few months.

He said: "What was particularly annoying the second time was that they cut the wiring, which means even more expense to get it fixed."

New-style indicators on Vauxhall Zafiras and Astras have so far been the only targets.

Mr Mortlock said: "From what I understand, there are certain cars which have more desirable side indicators.

"They look quite different from the older types, but they fit perfectly on to older Astras and Vauxhall Novas."

He said: "They look nice, but if whoever wanted them went to the garage they would find they cost only a few pounds."

Steve Magson, from Ryedale Garages, in Kirkbymoorside, said in the last year they had fitted up to 150 cars with substitute indicators. He said: "On average we are replacing two sets a week. The youth of today obviously prefer the new white or clear indicators."

Mr Magson said the indicators cost as little as £5 or £6 to buy.

He said: "That is the stupid thing about it. It starts getting expensive to replace when the wiring to the indicators is damaged."

Sgt Ann Donaldson, of Malton Police, said: "We were not aware of this problem. People may not be reporting the thefts because they feel it is insignificant. But we urge people to report all crimes."

Updated: 10:12 Monday, April 01, 2002