Police in Wiltshire have issued a warning across the east of the county, after a spate of thefts from cars.

Thieves are targeting popular places for tourists or families on day outs in particular, according to police. Officers are now reminding people visiting beauty spots to take care to avoid falling victim to opportunistic thieves.

Wiltshire Police said: "As we move into the summer months, we know that the secluded locations and large number of visitors to the many beauty spots across Wiltshire make car parks at these areas a popular target for thieves who can break into a car and steal valuables within a couple of seconds.

"Picnickers and walkers often leave their valuables unattended for long periods of time in isolated locations, making it easier for thieves to strike.

"However, car crime can often be prevented by vigilance and common sense security precautions."

The advice they give includes:

• Always leave valuables at home if you can. If you cannot, take them with you when you leave your car. Thieves know that items are often put in the boot, pushed under the seat or put in the glove compartment. Leave the glove compartment open when you leave your car. Even if your bag does not contain anything valuable, a thief might still break a window, or force a lock to get at it.

• If you have to leave lap tops or satellite navigation systems in your vehicle, ensure they are switched off. Mobile phones with blue tooth can be used to locate these items if left on standby.

• Make sure the doors of your vehicle are locked and the windows and sun roof are shut, even if you are only going to be gone for a couple of minutes.

• Make sure your car is parked in a location where it is in clear view of other people, not obscured from sight by trees or shrubs, therefore making it vulnerable.

• Do not leave a coat or jacket behind in the car. A thief may think that it is hiding a laptop or handbag and break into your car to find out.

• In particular, never leave credit cards, laptops, mobile phones or vehicle documents in your car.

• Should anything untoward happen, descriptions and car registrations should be noted and given to the police at the time of the suspicious incident. If you have an incident to report call 101. If you witness an offence being committed dial 999