A BRISTOL man aged 32 has been jailed after being charged with drug offences and thefts from cars across Somerset’s tourist and beauty spots.

James Hazell, formerly of Dangerfield Avenue, pleaded guilty to possession of class A and B drugs. He was given various sentences totalling three years and three months.

In addition, he was also sentenced to two nine-month sentences after admitting to stealing bank cards and a handbag from a car parked in the Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, near Glastonbury, last August and a similar offence involving a car parked in a carpark near Glastonbury Tor in January.

PC Jim Card, from the Somerset Investigations Team, said: “Mr Hazell was charged with two offences of theft from motor vehicles and 28 similar offences across Somerset were taken into consideration in relation to his sentencing.

"He is now in prison, which I hope is reassuring for both Somerset residents and visitors alike.

“However, with all crime – prevention is better than cure.

"I would encourage people to employ some really simple crime prevention measures. Don’t make things easy for thieves.

“Don’t leave items on display in your car, especially when they are parked somewhere quiet or remote.

“I would also suggest it is prudent to be aware of who is around you.

"Putting things out of sight in the car is sensible but you don’t know who might have been watching you put a handbag in the boot for example.

"Ideally, try not to leave anything of value unattended in your vehicle. Take it with you.”