A number of car key burglaries in South Warwickshire are being "treated as linked" by Warwickshire Police.

Police have also warned that with the nights drawing in vehicle theft and burglary numbers are likely to increase.

Multiple car key burglaries have been reported across the south of the county in recent weeks, with most incidents occurring overnight.

The thefts have mainly involved offenders breaking into houses and taking keys, before stealing cars from the driveway.

High powered vehicles including VW Golfs, BMWs and Audis have been the main targets in the most recent spate of offences.

Det Sgt Sarah Wolsey from Leamington CID said that there will "continue to be increased patrols" in the coming weeks but that vehicle thefts are "sadly" more common in the winter.

"At this time of year, unfortunately we often do see a slight increase in house burglaries and vehicle crime and sadly we have had a number of car key burglaries reported to us in the south of the county recently," she said.

"We understand the distress and inconvenience that these offences can cause to victims, and we are doing all we can to prevent and investigate these crimes.

"Taking a few crime prevention measures can help to make a difference in vehicles being targeted. While we are doing all we can to catch those responsible, we would also ask for the public's help to make it even more difficult for offenders.

"And if you do see any suspicious behaviour, please report it to us."

If you need to report suspicious behaviour to police, please visit www.warwickshire.police.uk or call 101. If a crime is in progress, call 999.