This page was last updated at Friday, November 26, 2010

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Police in the New Forest are reminding motorists not to leave valuables in their vehicles.

The warning comes after thieves stole property from inside a handbag which had been left hidden under a blanket inside the victim’s car when she went for a walk.

Bank cards that were stolen from the handbag were then used to remove cash later that day in Milford on Sea.

The blue Citroen Berlingo had been parked at the Wilverley Enclosure car park between 11am and 12.30pm on Friday November 19 when the theft occurred.

PC David Barnes said: “I would like to hear from anyone who has information about this incident and also want to take this opportunity to remind vehicle owners of some simple crime prevention advice that with reduce their chances of becoming the victim of crime.”

 

• Always secure your car. It sounds basic, but always lock your car, even if you are only leaving it for a few moments. If your car has central locking, please physically check doors as there are devices currently used which may interfere with your locking system.

• Do not leave property in your car. Thefts of personal belongings from cars account for two thirds of vehicle crime. However, you can outsmart the criminal by not leaving anything in your car. If it’s not there it can’t be stolen.

• Think about parking. Don’t just park your car wherever you can find a space, think about where you are and what you could do to make you car more secure. Try to park in busy areas or in well lit surroundings, especially at night.

• Take extra security precautions. If you spend a little time and money now on buying and fitting additional security features, it could save you a lot of distress and inconvenience later.

 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact PC David Barnes at Lymington police station on 101.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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