The warning follows an incident at the Lyth Hill car park near Bayston Hill yesterday when a camper van was broken into and a handbag stolen.
The bag was hidden beneath a seat but was probably still visible. Several doors on the blue Toyota Hiace campervan had been tampered with.
Among items in the brown leather handbag were a purse containing £80, a mobile phone and bank cards.
The owner was away from the vehicle for less than 30 minutes from around 4.10pm.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “This incident serves as a reminder not to leave any valuables on display when you leave your vehicle unattended.
“Rural beauty spots are particularly vulnerable and as spring approaches, people visiting the countryside should be vigilant.
“Take handbags and other valuables such as phones and sat nav systems with you when going for a walk. At the very least, place clothing and other property out of sight in the boot as securely as possible.
“Thieves who break into cars will automatically check beneath seats and in the glove compartment for items of value.”
The spokesperson appealed for witnesses to yesterday’s Lyth Hill theft to contact Shrewsbury police station on 101. “We would also appeal to people to call us immediately if they spot anyone acting suspiciously near parked vehicles.”
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