Warning to motorists after opportunistic Dartmoor theft

Motorists are being urged not to leave valuables on show in their vehicles when visiting beauty spots in Devon and Cornwall.

The warning comes from police after thieves targeted a vehicle on Dartmoor on Monday 6 May.

Thieves forced the door of the locked Nissan Micra in a car park between Poundsgate and Dartmeet around 6pm and stole a handbag. The handbag contained a driving licence, bank cards, a small amount of cash and a £400 iPhone 5.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them and are asking the public to be on their guard for opportunist thieves preying on vehicles.

PC Laura Totterdell said people should take care by keeping car windows closed and doors locked and by keeping valuables out of view:

“Tourists and locals flock to remote beauty spots every year, particularly in the summer months, and can be vulnerable to car crime,” she said.

“Phones, bags, sat navs and other valuables left on show in vehicles can be a target for criminals. We would urge people to remove all valuables from sight to prevent temptation from opportunistic thieves.

“By taking simple precautions, people can help police to reduce crime while preventing the heartache of losing valuables and belongings."

Anyone with information about the Dartmoor theft is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference JT/13/569.