York police are urging motorists to be vigilant after a number of thefts from vehicles across the city in recent weeks.
Officers are investigating four incidents where thieves have smashed car windows and stolen property from inside.
The most recent theft occurred sometime between 6pm and 7.40pm on Tuesday 4 June 2013.
Thieves broke a passenger-side window of a black Vauxhall Corsa on Moor Lane, Skelton, and took a black and grey Karrimor rucksack from the front foot well.
Officers believe that an elderly couple may have witnessed the theft, as they alerted the owner that a vehicle had been broken into.
Two more cars were targeted between 7pm and 8pm on Monday 3 June 2013, near York Racecourse.
A silver Vauxhall Corsa was broken into on St Edward’s Close after a passenger-side window was smashed and a dark green handbag with studs and a chain woven through the handle was taken.
Around the same time, a rear window was smashed on a blue Peugeot 206 on Knavesmire Road and two leather River Island bags were stolen.
An earlier incident occurred in Nether Poppleton on Wednesday 22 May 2013. A hand bag was stolen from a Mazda on Riverside Gardens, after a rear window was smashed.
Officers are appealing to anyone with information about who is responsible for the thefts to get in touch.
They are also urging the public to ensure that they don’t leave any valuables on display.
PC Nicola Elliot, of York police, said: “Unfortunately, in all these incidents the victims have left their bags on view in their cars.
“Most thieves are opportunistic and will not hesitate if they see property on display which they can steal.
“It is very important to make life as difficult as possible for criminals, therefore I am urging people to ensure that they don’t leave anything unattended in their vehicles, even if it is just for a few minutes.”
For more information about protecting your car from thieves, visit the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk/vehiclesecurity
Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for Nicola Elliot or York police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.