PLATINUM and diamond rings worth more than £6,000 were stolen from a handbag left in a parked car.

Police have appealed for information after a car window was smashed in Matchams Lane near Hurn to get to the handbag.

The victim parked a black Kia Sportage in a small gravel car park near to the Mildren Construction site on Monday November 16 and it was broken into between 11.30am and 11.45am.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "The passenger window was smashed and a handbag was stolen, which contained a purse. Inside the purse were three rings – a platinum gold engagement ring with a square diamond worth an estimated £4,400, a platinum gold eternity ring worth nearly £1,500 and a platinum gold wedding ring valued at more than £500."

Police Community Support Investigator Chris Wilson, of Dorset Police, said: “We are making enquiries into this theft and I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the Matchams Lane area around the relevant time, or may have captured anything on dashcam, to please contact us.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who comes across items of jewellery matching those stolen being offered for sale in unusual circumstances locally or online.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public not to leave valuable items unattended in their vehicles wherever possible.”

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200172658, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.