In the first three months of the year, a total of 22 cars have been reported stolen -- over three times the number taken during the same period last year.

The figure beats the previous highest of January to March, 1995, when 16 cars were stolen.

And it is nearly double the 1994 total of 12, which went on to have the most number of cars taken during 12 months in recent years -- 70.

Now Police are urging motorists to take extra care to protect their vehicles.

A Police spokesman said the problem was Islandwide with no specific areas being targeted, and with cars being stolen from private and public property.

"In most cases the vehicles have been recovered but invariably have suffered some damage,'' he said.

"There is no obvious reason for the sudden increase, although in many instances the vehicle had been left insecure with keys in the ignition.

"We are appealing to the motoring public to ensure their cars are locked and the keys removed from the ignition at all times they are left unattended.''