Police have warned visitors to beauty spots on the Mendips to take extra care of their valuables.

This time of year is when visitors are enjoying walks through the countryside and enjoying the autumnal atmosphere.

Sadly other visitors aren't as interested in nature and wildlife - they'd rather search your back seat, glovebox or boot.

Vehicles are being targeted whilst parked up resulting in belongings being stolen from within. Often the thieves will cause expensive damage to steal relatively inexpensive items. Visitors are urged to take valuables with them and not leave anything in sight within their vehicles that might attract the unwanted attention of an opportunist thief.

Police are carrying out rural patrols to help target the thieves. Officers are also continuing with patrols during autumn and winter on the lookout for vandals at beauty spots after a number of reports of criminal damage.