THE victim of a car break-in has spoken out as a spate of vehicle crimes hits a Bridport road.

Police said they have received three reports of break ins to cars in Victoria Grove where SatNavs or similar items were stolen.

The incidents happened between December 27 and January 11.

Officers are now urging people not to leave valuables on display.

Community matron Angela Westbury found her car had been targeted when she got up to go to work on Friday.

She said she found ‘glass everywhere’ when she walked to her car, which had been parked close to her home.

Having just moved to the area and working in the community, Angela said she is reliant on her car and SatNav to do her job.

She added: “Fortunately I have not long started my job, and I didn’t have a lot to do that day, but potentially I could have had to delay visits to my patients.

“I only moved to the area around a month ago and I need my car and SatNav to visit poorly people in their own homes.”

Luckily, Angela found the SatNav under a seat in her car, having been dropped by the thief when it became tangled in wires. She had to take her car to Yeovil for the window to be fixed.

“People do not think about the consequences of their actions. Luckily I’ve still got my SatNav and the car has been fixed, but that’s not the point. Apart from the inconvenience, you just feel horrible when something like this happens.”

Dorset Police said Angela’s car window was smashed between 8pm and 8am overnight between January 10 and 11.

Investigations are ongoing.

A spokesman for the Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Between December 27 and the morning of January 11 we have had a total of three crimes reported to us, where damage was caused and items such as SatNavs were stolen or where attempts to steal them have been made.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of removing all high value goods from display in your vehicle when you leave it. Don’t invite a thief by leaving valuables on display.

“If you have any information that could assist in identifying a culprit, or have information regarding the handling of items gained through crimes such as these call Dorset Police on 101 quoting crime occurrence 5518003112 - or report it online.”

Dorset Police has this advice: 

  • Don't leave valuable items and shopping in cars, even if they're hidden from view
  • Always securely lock windows and doors
  • SatNavs and their holders and cables shouldn't be left on display
  • Always use your car alarm