TELEVISION journalist Eleanor Goodman has warned against leaving valuables in vehicles parked at beauty spots after her horsebox was hit by thieves.

Miss Goodman, political editor for Channel Four who lives in the Pewsey area, lost her handbag containing her House of Commons pass, car registration documents and building society passbook when the thieves struck at Chute Causeway, near Marlborough, on Saturday afternoon.

She said: "Horse riding is my abiding hobby and I was out riding my two horses, Henry and Sam, when the box was broken into. I thought I had hidden the handbag behind the seat, but obviously not well enough.

"I would like to warn everyone not to be as stupid as I was and take your valuables with you when you leave your car at one of these places.

"The police and building society staff were so helpful but that is little consolation for the inconvenience and aggravation involved."

Farmers are also being warned to take additional security measures after farm vehicles were hit by thieves last week.

There were two attempted thefts at Maizey Farm, Rockley, one discovered on Friday and one on Saturday. In the first a Leyland Daf horsebox was damaged and in the second a Mercedes S14 van had its driver's quarterlight broken, causing £300 damage.

The attacks were the latest in a spate of thefts in rural areas and police are urging people to be on their guard.