Spalding sees four high-value cars targeted by thieves in one night

A BMW was stolen from Carrington Close in Spalding 15 minutes before a grey Audi was taken from another street

Four high-powered cars have been targeted by thieves in Spalding during one night, sparking a police warning.

Lincolnshire Police said it received reports of criminals trying to break into a BMW, a Volvo and two Audis in the early hours of Wednesday.

Antenna devices were used to relay key fob signals from inside homes to try to unlock and start the vehicles.

The force urged drivers of keyless cars to remain vigilant and store fobs in signal-blocking pouches.

It also advised owners to use CCTV and turn off key fobs where possible.

Thieves unsuccessfully tried to steal the Volvo, which was parked on Osier Road, at about 02:40 GMT.

Four hours later a blue BMW was stolen from Carrington Close, followed by the theft of a grey Audi from Larkspur Way before 07:00.

There was another unsuccessful attempt to steal a different Audi from a nearby road at about 09:20.

Officers believe all four incidents are linked.

In a separate unrelated incident in Boston, a grey Land Rover Discovery was stolen from the Pilgrim Hospital car park at about 07:00, but police said "a different method may have been used by thieves".

Police said suspects were using relay equipment to boost the signal of an electronic car key, which is inside the home, to open a vehicle

The force said it was investigating the crimes and officers were "doing everything they can to bring the thieves to justice and are pursuing all lines of inquiry available to them".

"We don't wish to spark alarm, but we do want people to be safe and equipped with the knowledge they need to protect their property."

Officers also advised owners to use wheel locks on their vehicles as they were "difficult for thieves to bypass".

"We've also seen a rise in the number of car theft attempts and, while unsuccessful, we wish to warn our communities and highlight steps you can take to remain safe" a spokesperson said.

Police appealed for witnesses or anyone who may have information about the incidents to contact the force.