A POLICE chief is warning people: “It doesn’t take long for a car thief to strike.”

New Forest Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson is warning people who park their cars in the area to take valuables with them, adding that it can take just 10 seconds for a determined thief to steal items from a car.

He said: “Don’t be tempted to merely put items in the boot, under a seat or cover them with a blanket.”

New Forest District Council’s portfolio holder for housing and communities, Jill Cleary, said: “Don’t make your car a target for thieves by leaving sought after items like, for example, CDs, mobiles and laptops on show.”

Visit www.safer.newforest.gov.uk for more advice.