A new approach to preventing car crime was launched in Tunbridge Wells today (11th April). The Great Hall Arcade car park became the first in Tunbridge Wells to be fitted with 'talking' ticket machines.

The idea is simple, when you buy your parking ticket a message reminds you to check that you are not leaving belongings on display in your car while you park.

The unusual thing about the message is that it is spoken in a celebrity voice. There are a number of voices including Frank Bruno, Joe Pasquale and Boycie from Only Fools & Horses.

The council has brought a number of other machines to go into as yet un-named car parks around the district.

The pioneering project has been funded and put together by the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Partnership in order to remind people of the action they can take to deter thieves and make car parks safer.

Richard Powell, Director of Services to the Community at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, said:

'This new initiative is a fun way to get across a very serious message. We hope customers will enjoy the humour whilst taking on board the advice about making life tough for criminals. This is one example of how we are working with our Community Safety Partners to continue to drive down crime in the Tunbridge Wells Borough.'