Motorists who use a popular park in Sutton Coldfield are being urged to take care of their valuables after thieves have been targeting the area.

A car was broken in to at the Four Oaks Gate car park in Sutton Park last Wednesday (September 6) after a handbag was left on show, while there was also an attempt to break in to another vehicle in the same car park – with criminal damage caused. Both incidents took place between 9am and 9.50am.

Four Oaks neighbourhood police team tweeted: “The team are patrolling Sutton Park in light of recent Thefts from cars. Please do not leave valuables on show in your cars."

West Midlands Police described the thieves as 'opportunists' and urged people to not leave any valuables on display. Vehicles should also be parked in well-lit, busy areas.

Valuables should also be security marked and visible. Visible security measures such as steering or handbrake locks should be used and windows should also be security-etched.