Owners of high powered vehicles are being warned not to leave them parked outside, after a series of raids by burglars looking for the keys to steal the cars with.

Over the last three months, over 30 burglaries of this kind have been committed across the south east of the Thames Valley area, in Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough and South Bucks. These are being investigated as linked.

Houses with high powered vehicles parked outside are being targeted by offenders who break in, search downstairs for the car keys and then using them to steal the vehicle parked outside.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Gill Fox, based at High Wycombe police station, said: “This burglary series is understandably concerning for the local community and my team are conducting a thorough investigation to identify those responsible.

"I would like to encourage the owners of high powered vehicles to consider the following steps to help reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

“If you have a garage, park your vehicle inside when it’s not in use so that it is not visible from the road. If you park your car on a driveway, consider blocking any high powered vehicles that are more desirable to thieves with other vehicles or equipment.

“Wheel clamps and steering wheel locks can be purchased, putting a barrier in place for thieves who intend to steal the car. Finally, don't store your keys near the front door or somewhere that they are easily seen, keep them somewhere that you wouldn’t expect to find them and if you can, consider placing them upstairs.”