Motorists are being warned to remove property from their vehicles after a spate of break-ins across west Suffolk.

Five separate vehicle crimes took place in Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury districts yesterday (Wednesday), prompting police to issue a reminder to car owners about the dangers of leaving valuables on show.

In Lakenheath, a blue Dacia estate, parked at Maids Cross Hill, had its lock forced and a bag left in the car was searched between 2pm and 2.30pm. Nothing was stolen.

Shortly after, a Chrysler Grand Voyager which had been left parked on the street in Lilac Drive, had a window smashed sometime between 2.55pm and 3.10pm. A purse was stolen from a bag left in the footwell.

A bag was also stolen sometime between 7.30pm and 8.20pm when thieves smashed the window of a black Ford Ka, parked in an open air car park at Rowley Mile in Newmarket.

Another handbag was stolen from the footwell of a white Fiat 500 parked in the entrance to Fire Track 203 in West Stow sometime between 5.30pm and 6pm.

And a rock was thrown through the window of a silver Ford Galaxy in Thetford Road, Barnham, at around 4am. It is believe the rock was thrown from a passing car.

A police spokesman said: “Motorists are reminded to never leave property on view in their vehicles, especially if in isolated locations.

“This is not restricted to ‘valuables’ as an opportunist thief will take the chance to break-in and search a bag on the off-chance there may be something worth stealing inside.

“If just going for a short walk, leave any items you do not need at home or place them in the boot before you leave – consider transferring your purse, wallet or phone into a small backpack or shoulder bag you can take on the walk with you.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference MH/14/1091, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.