SWINDON is the safest place in the country for car thefts, according to research.

A new report, based on an analysis of motor claims, puts Swindon at the top of the list of the safest towns and cities in the UK for holding on to your motor.

The research puts Swindon ahead of Norwich and Solihull, while Hull and Nottingham occupied the bottom spots.

John Ball was one of the unfortunate few who had his car stolen, after he mistakenly left his keys in the door.

But his luck turned around when two student police officers taking part in a lesson recovered it after a high-speed chase.

John’s stolen Volkswagen Polo was picked up by the police’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology in Thamesdown Drive.

John said: “I think my experience shows that Swindon is a safe place.

“To get your car stolen you have to do something as stupid as me.

“I did exactly what you’re not supposed to do – I left the key in the car door when I went to open the boot and of course that is an open invitation to a car thief.

“Luckily my car was recovered and there was a happy ending.”

Rhiannon Harris, Endsleigh spokeswoman, said: “This is great news for Swindon and a clear demonstration that local council and police initiatives to combat car crime are succeeding.

“During 2008, Wiltshire Police constantly provided the people of Swindon with crime prevention advice such as parking in garages and well lit areas.

“This advice has clearly been taken on board.”

Chief Superintendent of Swindon police, Paul Howlett, said: “I am pleased to receive this recognition, which reflects the hard work of Swindon police and the community safety partnership in reducing vehicle crime.

“But there is no room for complacency in this and people can further reduce vehicle crime by limiting the opportunities for car theft.

“For example valuable property should not be left in the car or should at least be kept in the boot out of sight.

“We have put considerable effort into reducing the opportunities for crime by, for example, the use of lighting within car parks and targeting known car thieves.”