A THIEF smashed their way into a car on New Year’s Day in Ashton Keynes, stealing a handbag from inside.

The incident occurred at around 11.00am in Waterhay Car Park, when an unknown person smashed the rear windscreen of a vehicle and removed a handbag containing cash, bank cards and a driver’s license.

A police spokesperson said: “Despite our previous warnings it appears the public are still leaving valuables in their unattended cars in local beauty spots.

“We suspect there may be individuals watching for potential targets so please do not make it easy for them.”

If anyone has any information on the incident, they are urged to call police on 101.