Thefts and other crimes in car parks have been slashed by more than half in the last year.

Westminster police said a new partnership with NCP car park bosses have helped to reduce the number of crimes in the privately owned car parks by 58 per cent - or 64 fewer incidents - during January to March compared to the same period in 2013.

Police had previously tried but failed to get NCP managers, which run more than 20 sites in the borough, to act to cut the crimes across Westminster.

Officers met with new management in November last year, and since then the firm has employed more staff, displayed posters warning drivers not to leave valuables visible in their cars and invited police to view CCTV footage to assist with ongoing investigations. Police have also been given car park permits so they can patrol the sites.

Westminster Neighbourhood Inspector Michael Wright said: “NCP managers and staff have formed a close, effective working relationship with Westminster officers and together have achieved a tremendous reduction in crime in their car parks.

“NCP have demonstrated their commitment to keeping their customers properly safe by greatly increasing the staffing of their car parks.

“I ask the public to help us reduce crime further by not leaving valuables on display in your car. It only takes seconds for a thief to steal your property.”