Gloucestershire Constabulary is warning car owners to be vigilant following a recent rise in the theft of vehicles, including those that are high valued.

Over the past two weeks, there have been eight burglaries where cars keys and the vehicles have been stolen with five of the cars being recovered, four of which were in the Cheltenham area.

There have also been a number of attempted thefts with offenders predominantly targeting the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury areas.

Offenders have been entering properties before taking the car keys from inside and stealing the car from the driveway or roadside.

There have also been two reported thefts of Audi plates, which are likely to be used on stolen vehicles.

In an incident reported today, Thursday 17 June, offenders entered a property on Orchard Way in Cheltenham before stealing a Hyundai I30 from the drive. It's believed that they entered the property by forcing a window.

In another incident it was reported that both the front and rear number plates had been stolen from an Audi A4 situated in the Moors area.

High value vehicles such as BMWs, Audis and Range Rovers are common targets as they will sell for higher prices. Other cars that have been stolen include Hyundai's and Fords.

You can help protect your car from theft by following these measures:

• Store your key fob, and any spares, inside a car key signal blocker pouch such as a faraday pouch or box.

• Store your car keys away from the front door and away from the house.

• Consider using more traditional crime prevention methods such as a steering wheel lock or clamp, use of CCTV and security lighting.

• Some keys can have the wireless signal turned off - look inside your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.

• Park defensively by going near to a wall or by using another car to block it in, or park in the garage if you have one.

• You can have your car fitted with a tracker or if you're buying a new car ask the showroom about the cost of activating the inbuilt manufacturer's system.

Find more ways to protect your vehicle on the Constabulary's website here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/