HIGH value cars have been stolen during a spate of car key burglaries as police beef up their specialist team to tackle the 'devastating' crime.

Raids and thefts have taken place across Worcestershire in the run-up to Christmas, including in Droitwich, Wichenford, Evesham and Peopleton, between Worcester and Pershore.

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However, already at least one stolen vehicle - a Volkswagen Golf - has been recovered by police and the team tasked with tackling this type of crime is due to expand, reflecting how seriously it is taken by West Mercia Police.

DI Dave Knight of Worcestershire Proactive CID, based at Worcester Police Station, said: "In the week before Christmas we also saw an address in Evesham targeted where two Golfs were stolen from an address after a burglary.

"One was later recovered near Cheltenham Road, Evesham. The Proactive CID burglary team are investigating these car key burglaries.

"Any burglary is one too many. In South Worcestershire we are increasing the size of our dedicated burglary team in order to improve the number of crimes we solve."

His views echo those of Chief Constable Pippa Mills who said earlier this year that officers would be sent out to the homes of everyone who had suffered a burglary.

She said in October: "Whilst the number of burglaries locally is low, the impact of being a victim can be devastating.

"That’s why it is our policy to attend all burglaries.

"We see the importance of this, both in terms of evidence gathering and in ensuring the right support is in place for victims and that we can help them feel safe in their homes."

This month we have reported on a burglary which happened between 1am and 7.30am on December 20, at a home on Moreland Road, Droitwich.

The offenders forced entry to the home to steal the car keys.

Meanwhile, a dark green Yamaha quad bike was stolen on Purshull Green Road in Elmbridge between 9.30pm on December 20 and 11am on December 21.

Police have confirmed two children's quad bikes were stolen between 5pm on December 20 and 7.30am on December 21 in Norchard Lane in Peopleton.

Police are now keen to hear from anyone who may have any information relating to any of these offences or that may have been in the area around the time of the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact West Mercia Police online.

If you aren’t comfortable contacting the police directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.