There has been a rise in car break-ins at beauty spots in Dorset, according to police.

Officers in the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Policing team have been patrolling beauty spots in the area over the weekend following a rise in reports of vehicles being broken into. Items have also been reported as stolen.

Police were advising the public not to leave any items of value or bags in their vehicles.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “As the weather forecast is good for this weekend you may be thinking of visiting one of the beauty spots that we are lucky to have around North Dorset.

"However please be mindful that unfortunately not everybody visits our beauty spots to take a walk in the countryside.

“Please take you things with you or if you don't need them leave them at home. Don't let thieves ruin your day.”