FAMILIES and walkers are not the only people taking advantage of the improvement in the weather, as thieves are targeting tourists’ cars parked at nearby beauty spots.

Police received nine reports of valuables including purses, wallets and handbags having been stolen from vehicles parked in scenic areas throughout the county including locations in or close to Swindon, Marlborough and Avebury.

At around 2.15pm on Sunday, March 25 a woman parked her car near Barbury Castle before setting out on a walk along the Ridgeway.

But when she returned a rear window of her car had been smashed and her handbag taken that included her purse, iPhone and other items.

Similar thefts from vehicles took place over that weekend in Fyfield Down near Marlborough, Silbury Hill car park, Codford, Elm Hill near Warminster and two at Roundway Hill, Devizes.

In many of the incidents, thieves had smashed windows to gain access and police are now warning motorists who visit beauty spots to take preventative measures.

A police spokesman said: “When parking, try to leave the car where it is overlooked from the road, neighbouring buildings or an area such as a picnic site where other people can act as natural guardians and try to park near to other vehicles.

“Satellite navigation systems are an increasing object of desire to criminals. If you have a portable system always take it with you when you leave the car, together with the support cradle and suction pads.

“And remember to wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen or dashboard as thieves will look out for these.

“Also don’t leave sat-navs or other valuables such as purses or handbags in the glove compartment and don’t try to hide anything under the seat – thieves will check these areas first.

“Lock all doors and windows, not forgetting the sunroof, when leaving your car.

“Don’t leave anything on view in your car. Thieves are opportunists and it only takes a moment to break in.

“Remember that even an empty bag or a coat left on a back seat of a locked car can be sufficiently tempting for a thief to smash a window.”

Anyone with any information in relation to thefts should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.