A GROUP of teenage car thieves in Dundee has developed an irresistible attraction to older-style Ford Fiestas.

It emerged yesterday that the gang, whose ages are said to range between 14 and 17, could be responsible for stealing up to 20 old-style Fiestas in the past two weeks.

Incidents have been reported across the city of low-value cars being stolen, taken for a joy-ride then vandalised and abandoned.

A spokesman for the force said yesterday that they were aware of thefts in the west end, central Dundee, Fintry, Maryfield and Albert Street area.

The spokesman said, “It has been quite a widespread problem over the past couple of weeks, involving older-model Fiestas.

“There have been about 15 to 20 stolen in that period, and we think it is the same group of kids in the 14 to 17 age bracket. They have gone as far afield as Perth and back.

“I believe that they have all been recovered bar one.

“They tend to drift back to the Whitfield and Fintry areas. The majority have been vandalised and one or two burned out.

“Most have been stolen in the late evening or early hours, always vehicles at the lower end of the market worth no more than £1000 and never newer than a K-reg.”

Police believe the youngsters may be targeting these older cars, registered at least 10 years ago, because they have become familiar with the locking mechanism, which is different on newer models.

“The autocrime team has been tasked with making inquiries in connection with this,” continued the spokesman.

“In the meantime, we are advising people who own older-style Fiestas to take extra security precautions, and asking members of the public who witness suspicious activity to contact us.”

According to Government statistics, older cars are 10 times more likely to be stolen than those registered in the past couple of years.

Anyone with information about the Dundee thefts is asked to contact Tayside Police on (01282) 223200 or speak to any officer.