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Los Angeles police are using a novel, and downright scary, way to help tackle car crime in the city - by using the undead to scare people straight.

The public service video shows a group of zombies on a car-smashing rampage where they steal valuables from unattended vehicles on the streets.

The bizarre footage is all part of a new campaign by the LAPD to try and crack down on car crime in the city as they try to encourage to lock their car doors at night.

Posted on YouTube it comes with the description: "'The zombies are coming! And they want your iPads!'

"The Los Angeles Police Department presents a parody of zombie movies and reality cop shows with an important message about car burglars: Lock it, Hide it, Keep it."

In the video, which is inspired by the hit TV show The Walking Dead, a couple are depicted worrying about their 'baby', which instead turns out to be a tablet.

The tongue in cheek parody is certainly drawing attention - in only just over a week it already has over 19,000 views online.