OPPORTUNIST thieves are prowling areas where cars are temporarily left with their doors open to steal valuables left on seats.

A series of crimes in recent weeks has led Barnet police to warn drivers about checking doors are locked even if leaving them for just a few minutes or when driving along a busy road.

Handbags have been snatched from the passenger side of cars waiting at traffic lights, and thefts have been reported from car parks and garages across the borough.

In one incident last Saturday at about 9.00pm, a 32-year-old woman was waiting at lights as she emerged from the Strawberry Vale estate in North Finchley.

Police said the woman had left the door of her grey Citron CS unlocked when the suspect, described as between 18 and 22-years-old wearing as a blue shirt and baseball cap, reached in, pulled the handbag from inside and ran off.

Detective Inspector John Cardow, of Barnet police, said: “The thieves know where people will leave their doors unlocked even just for a few split seconds.

“People think they are safe to leave it open when they are filling up in a garage because there are other people around and there is CCTV, but with hoods and clothing now, its difficult to identify people.

“If someone snatches a bag from someone who is driving, it is generally quite scary because there is that sense of invulnerability in the car, as it is seen as an extension of their home.

“Thieves only need a second to take something. We would urge people in garages, car parks and at traffic lights to keep their doors locked and leave bags in footholds out of view.”