He was seen trying car door handles and is believed to have committed a burglary. Police Constable Lee Richardson said: “We had dogs and a NPAS helicopter with search light looking for the culprit. We think he has discarded the property that he stole, knowing that we were out looking for him.

“Anyone in the vicinity of Davis Road, Ivatt Road and Carey Road please check your bins and gardens for a black leather ladies handbag containing a purse with cards and a Samsung Galaxy S3 mobile phone. The victim’s phone has all of her family photos on it and they have tremendous sentimental value. We are keen to recover it.”

The burglary took place in Davis Road, the same road in which an assault was reported recently but the police confirmed it was not the same address.

Dartmouth Police have posted an advisory notice on their Facebook site which asks people to please be vigilant in this warm weather and to keep doors and windows secure. PC Richardson said: “We live in a low-crime area, no a no-crime area.”