Crime figures in the Devizes area could be cut by up to 50 per cent if motorists would stop leaving valuables in their vehicles for thieves to steal.

Inspector Matt Armstrong said he and his officers were frustrated that despite frequent reminders to drivers not to leave handbags, wallets and other valuables in their cars, break-ins throughout the area, and not just at beauty spots, continue to rise.

The situation was highlighted last Monday when residents in Roseland Avenue reported a woman walking up and down the street looking into car windows.

Insp Armstrong said: “Her intention is not known, but the concern is she was there to commit crime.

“It is very easy to walk up and down and see valuables in cars. We could reduce crime by 40 or 50 per cent if people would heed our advice.”

An incident in the area in the last week underlined Insp Armstrong’s message. Last Monday afternoon a wallet was taken from the central console of an unlocked car parked in West Lavington.

Insp Armstrong said people should take responsibility for their own property. He said: “A car should be a secure place, but opportunistic criminals will watch you as you get out of your car and see you put something under a seat or in the boot and wait until you disappear before breaking in and stealing it.

“Often the cost of the damage to the car exceeds the value of the goods taken. If you don’t leave property in your car, you are less likely to be a victim of crime.”