THIEVES smashed the back window and stole a handbag from a car parked at a west Dorset beauty spot.

A silver Peugeot 2008 was broken into at Langdon Hill Car Park on Langdon Lane near Chideock and a black handbag was stolen.

The rear windscreen of the car was smashed to gain entry to the vehicle.

The theft occurred at some time between 1.50pm and 4.30pm on Wednesday, November 22 but police have only now released the information to the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230186020.

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.

It comes as a handbag was also stolen from a car parked at a beach in Burton Bradstock.

The handbag was stolen from a white Hyundai 130 which was parked at Cogden Beach in Burton Bradstock.

It was reportedly stolen at some point between 2.15pm and 3.45pm on Saturday, November 25 but police have now released the information to the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230188314.

Police have issued warnings to the public about leaving valuable items in popular beauty spots.

Officers warn that large visitor numbers of people in isolated rural areas provides "opportunities for thieves".

A police spokesperson said: "Unfortunately it also provides opportunities for thieves.

"No one wants their day out to be ruined so please be vigilant and do not leave valuables in the car. It only takes a few seconds for an opportunist to nip into your car and remove anything that you have left in it.

"Never leave possessions on display or in the boot, someone may see you putting them in there and come back once you have left your vehicle.

"Please report anything suspicious on 101 or via the Dorset Police website."