Talking meters

Talking parking meters that use well known catch-phrases of celebrities to warn motorists about the dangers posed by thieves have been introduced in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Voiced by a mimic, the likes of England football captain David Beckham, film star Michael Caine and TV presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Rolf Harris will each have a distinct message.

Superintendent Mick Webster of South Yorkshire Police said the idea to have celebrity voice-overs came about after early talking messages were deemed too boring.

"Initially we had talking parking meters, but after a while the message became repetitive and people didn't listen to it, so we came up with an idea that will get people to take note," Webster said in a statement.

"The idea is that each celebrity voice has a saying of its own, and we're hoping people will be listening hard, keen to hear all six messages."

Theft from parked cars amounts to millions of pounds each year and police advice is for owners to take care not to leave anything on display. A coat or even a packet of cigarettes is sometimes enough temptation for some thieves.

The celebrities voiced by mimic Stuart Smith are:

David Beckham: "Don't give them chance to score , don't leave anything on show in your car , if they can see it they can steal it , Make it tough , hide your stuff."

Michael Caine: "Blow the blinkin' doors off! , there's no need , they'll just smash the glass , if they can see it they can steal it , don't leave anything on show in your car , Make it tough , hide your stuff."

David Dickinson: "There are people round here on a bargain hunt , it's as cheap as chips for them , if they can see it they can steal it , Make it tough , hide your stuff."

Lily Savage: "Eh, watch your hub caps , and everything else for that matter. Don't leave anything on show in your car , Make it tough , hide your stuff."

Jeremy Clarkson: "Nice car , plenty under the bonnet I'd guess , I hope there's nothing inside though , if they can see it they can steal it , Make it tough , hide your stuff."

Rolf Harris: "Can you see what it is yet , don't forget if they can see it they can steal it. Don't leave anything on display in your car. Make it tough , hide your stuff."