REDDITCH motorists are being warned about parking their cars in a church car park in Beoley Road West.

Thieves have repeatedly targeted the area this month, breaking into vehicles to snatch handbags and expensive equipment including satellite navigation systems.

During the evening of March 7 five cars were broken into and a white Honda Civic car was taken, which was later discovered in Tunnel Drive.

Beat manager Pc Becky Handy said: "We want people using this car park to be aware that these incidents have happened and to be extra vigilant. They should remember to take their valuables with them and never leave anything on display inside the car."

She said there had been additional police patrols in the area and warning posters displayed since the incidents. Redditch's central sector will also be running the Vulnerable Vehicle Scheme in the area, where an officer spotting an insecure car or items left on display inside a vehicle will note down the vehicle registration then send a crime prevention pack through to the registered keeper.

Pc Handy added: "We want people to be able to use the church car park with confidence.

"As well as urging motorists to think carefully about the security of their cars, we also encourage anyone with information about any of these incidents to call the police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."