Thieves are targeting stereos inside Ford Focus cars and owners are being warned to take extra precautions.

Detective Inspector Nick Wallen from North East Leeds Division said: "There has been an ongoing rumour for a number of years now that a chip within a stereo from a Ford Focus can be put into a Sky box and you receive free Sky television.

"Following previous enquiries to the suppliers this has been found to be completely untrue.

"We believe that the recent spate of thefts could be as a result of this rumour.

"I would like both car owners to ensure that their vehicle and its contents are secure as well as making thieves aware that this type of crime will not be tolerated and their pointless actions will result in them being put through the court systems."

Peter Lewis, Sky Field Force Interface Manager said: "We've been asked about this urban myth in the past but there is absolutely no evidence it has any basis in truth."