Avon and Somerset police have put out an alert warning of thieves are breaking into people's homes in the early hours to take car keys in order to steal vehicles.

This type of burglary has happened recently in the areas of:

· Backwell, Failand, Flax Bourton, Long Ashton and Nailsea 

· Radstock and Midsomer Norton 

· Cheddar

· Wells

The thieves aren't just taking high-value cars like Audi and Mercedes, but a range of vehicles. Officers have recovered some of the stolen cars in the greater Bristol area while others remain outstanding. 

Police say the've seen a recent increase in burglary of all types with almost one a day this month in each of our neighbourhood policing areas.

Officers are carrying out targeted patrols and attending all dwelling burglaries to scope forensic opportunities and carry out initial enquiries.

Vulnerable victims are offered support through the Be Home Safe home security team. Neighbourhood Watch shares information with the local community while neighbourhood officers make follow-up visits.

A dedicated team of investigators is following up all lines of enquiry but in the meantime officers ask residents to be alert and report any suspicious activity.

Police encourage householders to:

· lock up and set the alarm, if you have one, once it gets dark as well as when you go out

· never leave keys in the lock or in sight of the letterbox or windows

· fit a letterbox cage

· keep your car keys safely hidden away

· install security lighting

· join Neighbourhood Watch

For more home security information, including details of joining Neighbourhood Watch, visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

If you have any information about recent crime, you can pass it on through the A & S website or by calling 101. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.