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Word of warning from the lamp-post

Neal Keeling
8/ 9/2004

TALKING lamp-posts are the latest weapon in the war on car thieves.

Black boxes fixed to the posts will blurt out messages warning motorists to make sure they have locked their vehicles and not left valuables on display.

The scheme, the first in the north west, is being piloted from today in the Trinity area of Salford. Each of the five devices has a motion sensor which triggers off a loud voice when people walk past.

The signs can also be programmed to give out messages at intervals during peak times of the day.

Deborah Keelan, crime reduction advisor for Greater Manchester Police, said: "Although most people are generally security conscious when it comes to their vehicles we have all been distracted some time and forgotten to lock them, switch the alarm on, or hide valuables from preying eyes.

"By reminding people to be more security conscious we hope these talking signs will help reduce vehicle crime."

The devices can be moved around the city and give messages to combat different types of crime.

Related Audio Clips

• Talking lamp-posts to fight crime

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