Police are urging motorists to be vigilant after a spate of vehicle crimes across west Dorset.

Thefts from vehicles and thefts of catalytic converters have been reported across the west Dorset area, with many occurring in beauty spots amidst the warm weather.

Thieves are also said to be targeting handbags and bags on display in parked cars, along with items of value such as laptop computers.

On Sunday, June 11, a theft was reported from a white Honda Jazz parked at Filcombe Farm, Muddyford Lane, Morecombelake.

Between 11.26am and 4pm, it was reported that the car was broken into, and items were stolen.

The right back window was smashed and items stolen were a rucksack and laptops, medication, and a book.

Two thefts of catalytic convertors were reported on Wednesday, June 14.

Between 3pm and 3.27pm a catalytic convertor was said to have been stolen from a silver Toyota Auris parked outside a property in Rax Lane, Bridport.

And sometime between 2pm and 4.20pm on the same day, a catalytic convertor was stolen from a blue Toyota Prius.

This vehicle was parked in Hope Terrace Car Park, St, Michael's Lane, Bridport. 

Bridport Police said there have been ‘a few incidents’ of bags being taken from unattended vehicles lately.

One occurred on Sunday, June 4 when a handbag was stolen from a parked car at Eggardon Hill, while another happened at Langdon Woods, near Chideock, on Sunday, June 11.

Last weekend it was reported that, on Sunday June 18, between 6pm and 7pm, a handbag containing cash and cards was stolen from a brown Honda parked in Cogden Beach National Trust Car Park, Coast, Road, Burton Bradstock, Bridport.

Both Eggardon Hill and Langdon Woods are looked after by the National Trust. Eggardon is an Iron Age hill fort and downland with views across the Marshwood Vale to the coast

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting the relevant reference number.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an EMERGENCY when there is a risk of HARM or a CRIME in progress.