POLICE are warning Beer and Branscombe tourists and residents to refrain from leaving any possessions in their cars. PC Steve Speariett said there has been a spate of thefts from vehicles recently when people have had handbags and other items stolen. Th

POLICE are warning Beer and Branscombe tourists and residents to refrain from leaving any possessions in their cars.

PC Steve Speariett said there has been a 'spate' of thefts from vehicles recently when people have had handbags and other items stolen.

There have been at least two cases of this happening in Branscombe and PC Speariett wants to prevent any more.

He said: "We are having a spate at the moment. On September 12 and 14 cars were broken into and the locks were forced open."

PC Speariett particularly wants to warn tourists as he believes they are more at risk.

He also urged residents to keep their eyes peeled for scrap metal dealers and if they see anything suspicious to report it to the police straightaway.

Residents who are worried about having valuable machinery stolen can ask police about the 'Stop a Thief' scheme whereby security equipment is loaned to farmers.