CARELESS fleet drivers are costing employers millions of pounds a year in repair bills or extra insurance costs because they leave valuables on show in vehicles.

A company car break-in top 10 has revealed that less than 19% of thefts involve car stereo systems.

The majority are opportunist thefts of items left in cars by drivers, including clothes, tools, computers, wallets, handbags, mobile phones and briefcases.

The figures are based on the past year's break-ins recorded by customers of ARVAL PHH Accident Management.

Lorraine Wright, managing director, said: 'Overall, the number of thefts from fleet vehicles is on the decrease due to better security systems, CCTV cameras and other factors.

'But cars clearly remain a target for thieves. It is disturbing how many valuables drivers continue to leave in their cars and employers could end up paying higher insurance premiums as a result.'