Warning as homes targeted in car key burglaries

Generic picture of a police officer
-Credit:Chris Vaughan/Lincolnshire Echo


High value cars are the target for thieves in the Forest of Dean. A warning has been issued by Gloucestershire police to car owners in the area following a number of car key burglaries.

It has been reported that several burglaries have taken place over recent weeks with thieves stealing car keys for high value vehicles. These burglaries have taken place in Highnam, Yorkley, Bream and Mitcheldean.

In one incident, offenders entered a property on Sovereign Chase in Staunton at around 7.40pm on Wednesday January 8 taking two sets of car keys before making off in a Mercedes Benz with licence plate E350 AMG.

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In another incident which took place on the same day, offenders gained entry to a property on Bailey Hill in Yorkley and stole the keys to a Hyundai I20 before driving off in the vehicle. This took place at around 9.20pm.

Police were also contacted on Thursday January 16 with a report that unknown offenders forced entry to a property on High Street in Bream at around 2.40am before conducting a search of the address. It is believed that offenders had been looking for car keys.

A burglary was also reported on The Crescent in Mitcheldean which saw offenders take a set of car keys before making off in a BMW 330E M Sport. This took place at around 3.55am on Thursday 16 January.

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At this time all of the stolen vehicles are yet to be located.

High value cars such as BMWs, Audis and Range Rovers are common targets as they will sell for higher prices.

You can help protect your vehicle from theft by following these measures:
  • Storing your key fob, and any spares, inside a car key signal blocker pouch such as a faraday pouch or box.

  • Storing your car keys away from the front or back door.

  • Considering 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.

  • Parking 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.

Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police by calling 101 or completing the following online form. You can find more ways to protect your vehicle on the Gloucestershire Constabulary's website here.