Drivers warned to be vigilant after car thefts

Car thieves are targeting high-end models, Gloucestershire Police said

Police are warning car owners to take steps to secure their vehicles after a spate of thefts in the Forest of Dean.

A number of properties have been burgled and car keys taken, Gloucestershire Police said, with the offenders then making off with cars.

High value cars such as BMWs, Audis and Range Rovers are common targets, the force said.

Burglaries have taken place in Highnam, Yorkley, Bream and Mitcheldean this month.

In one case, burglars took two sets of keys and stole a Mercedes from a property on Sovereign Chase in Staunton at about 19:40 GMT on 8 January.

Under two hours later, a property on Bailey Hill in Yorkley was broken into, with the keys to a Hyundai i20 taken and the vehicle stolen.

On 16 January at 02:40 GMT, a property on High Street, Bream, was broken into, and police believe the offenders were looking for keys.

Just over an hour later, a property on The Crescent in Mitcheldean was burgled and a BMW 330E M Sport stolen.

None of the vehicles have been located.

Police have advised drivers to store keys away from the front or back door and to consider using a steering wheel lock or a wheel clamp, or installing CCTV or security lighting.

Vehicle owners can also "park defensively" by parking close to a wall or using another car to block the more valuable one in.

Those with keyless entry should store their fob in a signal blocker pouch.

Police have asked for anyone with information on the thefts to contact them and for suspicious activity to be reported.