POLICE are warning visitors to Ryedale's beauty spots to take extra care when leaving their vehicles - after three cars were broken into.

The vehicles were parked at Blakey Ridge, north of Kirkbymoorside.

Police said that between 11am and 11.45am on Friday, November 25, the three vehicles were "attacked" in the public car park there.

Entry was gained through smashed windows, and property stolen from within.

Police are now appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious – particularly a vehicle in the area acting suspiciously – to get in touch.

North Yorkshire Police officers are also urging visitors to the county to follow this crime prevention advice:

  • Try to park in sign-posted parking areas.
  • Be cautious about parking your car in isolation. Thieves can be put off when other people are around.
  • Do not leave anything in your vehicle. A jacket or coat left behind may be of very little value to you, but a thief may think it has been used to hide a laptop or handbag and will break into your vehicle to find out.
  • Take items with you rather than locking them in the boot, you can’t be sure who has seen you.
  • Before you leave home, think about what you need and leave any unnecessary items of value at home.
  • Make sure you do not leave documents which have your personal details on in your vehicle.
  • Do not leave your sat-nav in your vehicle and don’t forget to remove the cradle and wipe the sucker marks from your windscreen.
  • Remember to shut all windows and sunroofs and lock all doors. Activate the alarm and immobiliser, and make use of any security products you have such as steering locks.
  • Whilst enjoying the sights, make sure you keep your bag and possessions with you.
  • Register all your valuables on immobilise.com, or contact your local North Yorkshire Police Neighbourhood Policing Team to ask about dot peen and other forms of property marking.

North Yorkshire Police has launched a major campaign to encourage people to act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the police. The force’s Rural Taskforce is asking residents – especially in rural areas like the North York Moors – to note down and report any suspicious activity, particularly in remote or isolated areas, as part of the ‘Call it in’ campaign.

Anyone with information that could assist the Blakey Ridge investigation can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Stephen Ashley.

They can also email stephen.ashley@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12160213242.