Wiltshire Police would like to issue a reminder to people to take care when parking their cars at beauty spots.

Such scenic areas are vulnerable to theft because the places are isolated and often without anyone around to witness the thefts.

A campaign was launched by Police over the summer months, but with the current mild weather officers would once more like to remind people to take care when parking their cars at local beauty spots in the county by following a few simple guidelines: Leave valuables at home if at all possible.

Anything which is needed on the journey should be taken with you when you get out of your car and not left in a boot or glove compartment. Thieves may be watching motorists arriving in the car parks and will know if items are placed in the boot.

If you witness a car theft please do not approach the offender but call police immediately.

You will be asked for a detailed description of the offender, the direction in which they left and also if you know it the property that was stolen. Providing this information will give police the best possible chance of apprehending the offenders.

Sector Head of Marlborough and Pewsey, Inspector Ian Stevenson said: "I want to remind people not to leave valuables in their cars when they visit beauty spots.

"As well as the distress of losing sentimental items, having a handbag or wallet stolen can require considerable effort to sort out. Changing locks, cancelling bank cards and re-applying for a driving licence for example can all take time to sort out and may leave you without the means to purchase anything and the loss of use of your vehicle. "

Police officers have also noticed a recent number of thefts of tools from vans and work vehicles and Inspector Stevenson added: "It is important that people do not leave tools in their vehicles overnight and also think about putting up a sign which states : "no tools are kept in this vehicle overnight", to deter thieves.

"Not only are tools expensive to replace, but the owners then face all the inconvenience of having their vehicles fixed and possibly having to take time off work because the tools of their trade have been stolen."