Avon and Somerset Police are warning householders to be vigilant after a recent spate of housebreaking and theft. They say that in particular thieves are breaking into people’s homes to take car keys in order to steal vehicles. Most of the thefts have been in the early hours.

Recent incidents have been reported in Cheddar, Wells Backwell, Failand, Flax Bourton, Long Ashton, Nailsea 
Radstock and Midsomer Norton. The thieves do not appear to be targeting specific vehicle types. Police say they aren’t just taking high-value cars like Audi and Mercedes, but a range of vehicles. Officers have recovered some of the stolen cars.

They say  officers are carrying out targeted patrols and attending all dwelling burglaries. A dedicated team of investigators is following up all lines of enquiry. In the meantime officers ask residents to be alert and report any suspicious activity. If you have any information about recent crime, you can pass it on by calling 101.