POLICE have reissued a warning to motorists after a car was broken into after being left for five minutes.

The owner of the blue Fiat Bravo left the vehicle in Westmoor Road, Darlington, between 6.45pm and 6.50pm on Wednesday.

A thief used that time to smash the front nearside window and snatch a black handbag with green straps containing a purse, and a Nokia 8210 mobile phone in a yellow Pokemon case.

The bag had been left on the car's passenger seat.

Detective Constable Peter Eddy, of Darlington police, said: "We would remind people not to leave items in open sight."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01325) 467681.