A GRANDMOTHER is warning people to be vigilant after thieves broke into a car and took her handbag.

Jennifer Cowell, 61, was walking at the RSPB Nature Reserve on Canvey with her family when thieves forced open the boot of her daughter’s Ford Focus in the car park.

Mrs Cowell, who lives in Benfleet, is now warning walkers to be vigilant when locking their cars.

She said: “My daughter and I hid our handbags in the boot before we went walking with my grandson.

“There was nobody around when we were locking the car or else we would not have put our bags in the boot, but there must have been someone watching us.”

Mrs Cowell’s family searched the car park but could not find the grey leather bag, which contained around £70 in cash and bank cards.

She added: “There were a few sentimental items in my bag which I am upset about.

“There wa a Pandora bracelet with charms on my family had bought me and a photo of my grandson.”