A warning has gone out to keep Christmas presents out of the sight and hands of thieves after a break-in on a car parked outside a village church.

Four bags of wrapped presents and four suitcases were taken from the car while the owner was in the church at Leafield, west Oxfordshire, for a carol concert.

Joanna Elliott, of Charlbury, said: "I left my car at 7pm and by 8.30pm the alarm was going off. Someone had smashed my rear windscreen and stolen everything, even the children's teddies.

"I honestly thought the presents and bags would be safe in my car in Leafield, but this just goes to show you can't be too careful wherever you are.

"I'm hoping that some of my belongings may have been dumped somewhere so I'm asking people to keep an eye out for them."

The bags were left in the boot but were visible through the rear windscreen. What was stolen included a light blue school rucksack containing Year Eight work and textbooks, and a bright green bag with girl's overnight things, including a 'Tigger' stuffed toy about 12 inches high.

A black wheel-along suitcase containing women's clothes and a make-up bag and a small pink wheel-along case containing girl's clothes and toys was also taken.

Police are renewing their warning to people not to leave goods in parked vehicles and to keep newly bought presents out of sight, even at home. Bill But- cher, crime reduction adviser for west Oxfordshire. said: "People should ensure that presents aren't left under Christmas trees where they can be easily seen from outside the house.

"Empty boxes should also be disposed of carefully so as not to advertise the new goods to would-be burglars. You should also take all belongings with you when you leave your parked vehicle."