Sightseers have been warned to not leave valuables in their cars after a number of vehicles were broken into at so-called 'beauty spots' in the last week.

North Dorset Police posted the warning in a Facebook post that said: "In the last week there have been a number of vehicles broken into whilst parked at our North Dorset beauty spots.

"These incidents have occurred at Hambledon Hill, Okeford Hill and Duncliffe Woods. Please leave valuables at home or take them with you on your walk. Don’t be tempted to hide them in your vehicle."

The first incident happened on Sunday, March 10 when a car was broken into while parked at Hambledon Hill near Blandford. The car was searched but nothing was taken.

Sometime between 12.45pm and 1.50pm on Tuesday, March 12 offenders smashed the driver’s side window of a Peugeot panel van parked at Duncliffe Wood, Sherborne. A handbag, which had been hidden under the driver’s seat, was stolen.

Later that same day between 5pm and 5.15pm the driver’s window of a Mitsubishi Outlander was smashed while it was parked on Norton Lane, Durweston. A wallet was stolen from the door pocket.

Dorset Police said: "We urge all motorists to ensure they don’t leave their valuables in their vehicles, even if they are hidden from view. Please don’t make life easy for thieves."

For more crime prevention advice, please visit: https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/home-property-belongings/vehicle-crime-removeitlockit