A SPATE of car crime in Middlewich has been inspired by an urban myth that police say is nonsense.

Thieves, who targeted three vehicles overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, are stealing car radios because they believe they contain a microchip that will give them free satellite television, according to police.

The cars, parked in Garfit Street, Hadrian Way and Dane Street, each had their radios stolen.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police's eastern area said: "There is a rumour which has been floating around for several years now that the factory fitted radios in the Ford Focus contain a special microchip.

"The story goes that if the microchip is removed and fitted into a Sky television receiver it will provide satellite TV free of charge.

"The rumour seems to re-emerge every few years.

"We believe it's doing the rounds at the moment and radios are being stolen because the thieves believe they can get hold of this chip.

"The whole story is complete nonsense - no such chip exists."

The three thefts in Middlewich followed four incidents in Holmes Chapel the night before.

PCSO Roger Need, from Middlewich CAT team, said: "This is something we are looking into.

"We will be giving advice to people where and when we can and will be increasing patrols in the area.

"The incidents are happening overnight and in the small hours of the morning and any help anyone can give us will be gratefully received."

Anyone with any information should leave a message for the CAT team on 0845 458 6382.