WEST Somerset motorists are being reminded not to leave items on display after vehicles were broken into in a number of car parks across the district.

Inspector Lisa Simpson, of Minehead police, said officers were joining forces with West Somerset Council to remind people about the risks of leaving coats and bags on view.

"Several car parks in the West Somerset, Exmoor and Minehead areas have been targeted by thieves. In partnership with West Somerset Council, we want to remind people that they can minimise their risk of becoming a victim of crime," she said.

"It isn't just sat navs, phones or other electronic items that need to be out of sight – muddy old coats or rucksacks on the back seat may be worthless, but a thief won't know if you've left money or cards in the pocket or not."

She also advised people not to leave ipod or sat nav leads on display.

Pete Hughes, the district council's community safety officer, said: "West Somerset is a beautiful and varied part of the world and is a safe place to live, to work and to visit. We encourage everyone to heed the advice provided by police colleagues to ensure that our patch remains safe and does not attract criminals."

Having a car broken in to is not just an inconvenience, most of the time it leaves people out of pocket as insurance excesses are usually higher than the value of the goods stolen.

Ms Simpson said locking items out of sight in the boot was preferable to leaving them on display in the car, but it was not always a guarantee as several cars parked in the car park at Tarr Steps had handbags stolen from the boot.

"On a positive note everyone can actively and dramatically minimise the risk of having their car broken in to by taking some simple and inexpensive measures to deter thieves," she said.

These include locking the car every time you leave it, making sure nothing is left on display, parking in busy well-lit places and making sure anything of value is taken with you.