A THIEF broke into a car parked in Winchester and stole a handbag left inside.

The crime happened on Christchurch Road between 10pm on Wednesday July 13 and 8.10am the following morning.

Any witnesses should call 101.

Below we have given some basic advice to prevent vehicle crime.

• When leaving your car, please close all windows and lock your car.

• Upon locking your vehicle try your car door to ensure it is actually locked.

• Park your car in an attended car park.

• Look for public car parks approved by the Park Mark scheme.

• When parking at home, use your garage. If you don’t have a garage, park in a well-lit area.

• Don’t leave anything on display in your vehicle.

• Take all personal possessions with you.

• Remove Satnav holders and visible sat nav ring marks from windscreens.

• Leave the glove box open to show there’s nothing inside.

• Fit an alarm or immobiliser in your car.

• Record details of your property on immobilise.com website.

• Do not store your car documents in your car.

• Secure your wheels using locking wheel nuts.