Thieves stole plaques signed by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles from a car on Monday, say police.

A purple Citroen DS4 was broken into between 4.30pm on Monday and 1.30pm on Tuesday on Maddison Avenue.

The thieves stole a silver Hewlett Packard laptop, Cannon camera, TomTom SatNav, Panasonic compact camera, iPod Classic and Oakley sunglasses as well as two rare commemorative plaques, one signed by Queen Elizabeth II and one signed by Prince Charles.

Police Constable Paul Williams, of Bournemouth police, said: “A large number of high value items were stolen, including rare plaques of a highly sentimental value.

“I am appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have information about those responsible or the whereabouts of the items to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered such items for sale in strange circumstances or for an unusually low price.

“We would urge people not to leave anything in their vehicles when unattended. Please don’t make it easy for thieves.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 3:260 Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.