MOTORISTS are being warned to be on guard against car crime over the Easter weekend.

Dorset Police said that thefts from vehicles increase during the months of March, April and May as a result of the increase in visitors to the county and the change in weather.

In 2011, 841 reports of vehicle crime were reported in Dorset during these months. This rose by 13 per cent to 106 offences in 2012.

Superintendent Dave Thorp said: “Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and can be prevented. If a thief thinks there is something of value in your car, they will try their luck.

“A few CDs left on your front seat may not be of great value to you but the inconvenience of the damage caused to your vehicle is far greater.

“The best advice is not to leave anything in your car. Leave it at home, or take it with you.”

The police are offering practical crime prevention advice in an effort to reduce the number of people falling victim to car crime.

More crime prevention advice can be found on the force’s interactive crime prevention portal on its website.

Visit dorset.police.uk and click on the local policing link on the left side of the webpage and then click on the crime prevention portal link.