DAY-trippers visiting popular Suffolk beauty spots are urged not to leave valuables on display this bank holiday weekend as police bid to crackdown on car crime.

The warning comes after a number of reports of thefts from vehicles in the Rendlesham forest area and other parts of the Wilford Peninsula.

Woodbridge and District Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is urging people to ensure their vehicles are secure and that no valuables are left on display.

The issue has been adopted as a priority and officers are working closely with the Forestry Commission and increasing patrols in a bid to tackle the problem.

Pc Andy Warne said: “With the better weather, an increasing amount of people have flocked to the tourist areas around Woodbridge.

“We would like to remind the public that, unfortunately, this also means opportunist criminals will be on the lookout for anything that looks easy to take.

“Simply making sure your car is locked and no valuables are left behind dramatically reduces the likelihood that you’ll fall victim to a break-in.”

He warned a handbag “hidden” under a seat or a mobile phone left on the dashboard was an easy target, while an opportunist thief would also break in to take a look under a coat or newspaper on the back seat that appeared as if it could be hiding something.

Other advice includes closing windows and securing the sun roof, activating the steering lock or having an anti-theft device such as an immobiliser or alarm fitted and remembering to take your radio out if it has a removable front.

Documents such as a driving licence, MoT and insurance certificates should also be removed along with any evidence of a satellite navigation system – including its docking bay.