Spate of break-ins at vehicles in New Forest car parks
Drivers still temping thieves by leaving valuables hidden inside vehicle
Last updated 10th Jun 2021
Police in the New Forest have issued a plea for people not to leaving anything of value in their vehicle.
In the last week there's been a spate of vehicles targeted with windows smashed at car parks across the National Park area, earlier this month there was also an incident in Hale.
Officers warn too many people are leaving items like handbags inside.
In a message on social media police said
"Over the last week we have seen an increase in the number of thefts from cars parked in the New Forest’s car parks. Please don’t leave anything on display inside your vehicle and don’t hide anything either because you never know who is watching. Please share this message and tell anyone you know who spends time in the Forest."
Officers have also been visiting known hot spots to remind motorists to be vigilant and to hand out crime prevention card for them to display in their windscreen
If you'd like one then email richard.williams@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Meanwhile a mum had her bag stolen from her vehicle when she parked at a popular walking spot in Redlynch close to the New Forest.
She returned after a stroll in Langley Woods with her young son to find the window smashed.
In a post on social media she urged people not to be complacent.
"The bag was under a couple of coats so I’d recommend not even having bundles of clothing or outer wear out on display in your car in case it’s mistaken for covering something up, especially in rural locations like this. My son’s car seat was covered in shattered glass which was hard to pick up safely and the whole situation has shaken him up, understandably.
"Just a reminder to be vigilant as this is what my complacency paid me back with today."