DORCHESTER has been hit by a spate of car crime.

And thefts from vehicles at West Dorset beauty spots have prompted a police chief to call for more vigilance.

Inspector Les Fry, of Dorchester Police, was speaking after a series of thefts from cars in the county town and as thieves start to target cars parked at beauty spots while owners enjoy the countryside.

Insp Fry said six incidents of thefts from parked cars had been reported in Dorchester during two nights. He believed some of them might be connected.

Drivers in Alexandra Road, Loren Road, Syward Close, Casterbridge Road and two in Coburg Road lost possessions during the weekend night-time raids.

Items including coats, a laptop computer and university books, CD players, bags and a purse were stolen. In an another incident, a bag containing a purse with cash and credit cards was taken from a blue Peugeot 106 parked at Hardy's Monument, near Portesham.

And a bag, purse and other items were taken from a car parked near Chideock on Sunday afternoon. He said: "We had a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area at the time and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen it. It was a red Ford Escort with four men inside and it was seen at Langdon Hill, near Langdon Woods."

He said: "Never leave any personal possessions or valuables in vehicles. Theft causes inconvenience if you have to deal with stolen credit and bank cards as well as the upset when items of sentimental value are taken.

"Always take them with you. If you're planning to go for a walk and don't want to carry items then leave them at home."

He said drivers also needed to be more careful about locking doors and windows in cars when parking them.

Anyone with information about the red car seen near Chideock or about any of the other incidents should telephone Dorset Police on 01305 222222.