Criminals continue to target those enjoying those the west Dorset countryside. 

Walkers have been returning to their cars at the area's beauty spots to find windows smashed.

A visitor to Monkton Wyld, who wished to remain anonymous, told the News they only left their car for 20 minutes to stretch their legs and quickly walk their dog during a lunch break - only to return and find glass all over the floor. 

The would-be thieves left empty handed as the car didn't contain any valuables. "It's scary to think they must've been watching," the owner told us. "There was nothing in the car and nothing on the back seat. They've caused this damage for no reason."

It comes after the News reported a handbag was stolen from a car parked at a different 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.

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

Another bag was also 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."