Police warn of West Dorset beauty spot thefts (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Police warn of West Dorset beauty spot thefts

11:28am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Bridport By Rene Gerryts

BEAUTY spots in West Dorset have been targeted by thieves in the last few weeks, warn Dorset Police.

Although crime statistics show that in general theft from cars is down by 24 per cent the number has been rising recently - as have shed and garage break-ins.

Bridport Police Insp Mike Darby said: "Acquisitive rural crime and theft from motor vehicles is on the rise in Bridport.

"While crime is down by eight per cent in Bridport, and theft from cars is down by 24 per cent we have noticed in the last few weeks a number of offences have started occurring in beauty spot areas when people park their cars to take a stroll and walk their dogs. "Traditionally we have been very lucky in the West Dorset area where this type of crime is quite rare however in the last few weeks these have started to occur on a regular basis. "We believe there are a number of opportunist people committing the offences."

He said there are ongoing enquiries to find and arrest the culprits.

Police are keen to urge motorists to ensure there are no valuables in the car and nothing on display to tempt thieves.

Insp Darby warned: "Some vehicles have had their rear boot window smashed when the boot cover is covering the boot space in anticipation that the car owner has hidden something in the boot." Bridport Police and Safer Neighbourhood Teams are visiting beauty spots on a regular basis and putting up crime prevention posters to warn car park users to remove their valuables. The posters do get torn or blown down and police are urging the public to call them on 101 if they see damaged posters.

Insp Darby added: "More often than not the sheds and garages are not locked and the offenders have little trouble taking things when they can simply open the doors to see what's inside and worth stealing. "Please ensure that any garage, shed or outhouse that contains things of value are locked and secured especially at night." Anyone who sees anything suspicious please contact Dorset Police on 101 or in an emergency 999.