TOURISTS returning to the countryside for the first time since the foot-and-mouth crisis have become easy prey for criminals, police have warned.

Some sightseers have even been left stranded after a spate of car thefts in North Yorkshire tourist spots.

Sergeant Kevin Thornton, of Northallerton police, said crime was back on the increase in popular tourist areas, such as Osmotherley.

He said thieves were targeting visitors who leave cars in isolated areas while they enjoy a walk. Cars are either being stolen or broken into and belongings taken.

"There will always be visitors who are more interested in people's possessions rather than a healthy walk in the country," said Sgt Thornton.

"Anyone visiting our local countryside must ensure they keep all valuables in their possession, or at the very least out of sight."

He said householders were also still making it easy for burglars, by leaving doors and windows unlocked.

"There are still incidents where entry is through an insecure door or window and the stolen property is either in view to those people or near the point of entry," he said. "It is amazing how many people leave handbags near the door."

Farmers and gardeners in the Northallerton and Thirsk area have also suffered with sheds broken into and tools and vehicle trailers stolen.

Sgt Thornton is urging owners to improve security.

"In most cases, it is impossible to identify the property stolen because most victims do not have the serial numbers of the items concerned," he said.

Sgt Thornton urged residents to report any suspicious vehicle they see and to make a note of the licence plate number.