A spate of car thefts in Kenilworth is likely down to "serious organised crime gangs", local police have revealed.

A report to Kenilworth Town Council said everyone has a "role to play" to reduce the number of vehicles being pinched around the town.

"In recent weeks, understandable concerns have arisen following the theft of motor vehicles in Kenilworth outside people's homes, often from their private drives," the report from Kenilworth safer neighbour team said. 

"The thefts are likely the work of serious organised crime gangs, and Warwickshire Police are working alongside other forces to detect these criminals."

The report - which also said there had been a spate of burglaries at new build homes - revealed houses have been broken into to steal keys for vehicles parked on the drive.

It continued: "One vehicle was recovered in Balsall Common and will be forensically examined to assist in identifying the suspects. 

"It is believed that this will be one or two groups of organised criminals that are committing these offences."

The force has recommended vehicle owners invest in steering wheel locks and 'faraday boxes' (which store electronic keys) to reduce the risk of a car being stolen.

"While offenders continue to come to Kenilworth and succeed in stealing vehicles, they are likely to keep coming back," the report said. 

"If we can all make things more complicated, they will become less successful and eventually go elsewhere until they are caught. 

"We all have a role to play and a contribution to make, which can make a real difference in reducing these crimes."