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

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

Sgt Kevin Thornton of Northallerton police said crime is back on the increase in well-known tourist traps such as Osmotherley.

Visitors leave cars in isolated areas while they enjoy a walk and the thieves are either taking the cars or breaking in to steal belongings left on seats or parcel shelves.

"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 that they keep all valuables in their possession or at the very least out of sight."

And he said householders are 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 beef up 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.

Police are cracking down on areas known to be targeted by criminals and are asking for help from the public. Sgt Thornton said residents should report any suspicious vehicles seen parked at night to the police or their licence plate numbers should be taken down.