A quiet neighbourhood in Bradley Stoke has been hit by a number of car break-ins.

Thousands of pounds worth of car stereo equipment has been stolen from vehicles at night.

Two Vauxhall Astras, belonging to apprenticeship students, were broken into on Ellicks Close in the early hours of the morning.

Alex Ashbee and Andrew Flynn had their front passenger-side windows broken by thieves.

They both come to stay in Bristol for their motor mechanics course at Filton College.

Alex, 18, had a CD player, sub speaker and satellite navigation system worth a total of £500 stolen.

He said: "I've got a decent job, I'm trying to save up for a new car and now some group of people do this.

"I can't claim on my insurance because it will make my premium too high."

Alex, who works for North West Trucks, already pays more than £1,000 a year to drive his 1.8-litre car.

He added: "I've been coming down to Bristol for the last three years and never had any problems.

"The last time I had to come down, this happens."

A resident of Ellicks Close, who did not want to be named, said: "It's normally a very quiet area so it's quite distressing. The people who do this are spiteful."

A black Vauxhall Corsa was also targeted on Dewfalls Drive, and a CD head unit, sub speaker and amp costing about £400 were taken.

The cars targeted have had windows on the pavement side broken to get access to the valuables inside.

Avon and Somerset police are investigating the crimes.

A spokesman for the force told the Post: "I can confirm we have had two incidents in Ellicks Close and Dewfalls Drive. I have spoken to the local beat officer PC Steve Palmer and he is not aware of a 'spate of incidents' in the area and reports to date have only been sporadic.

"He is, however, aware that there may be more incidents which people are not telling us about and has been tasking his PCSOs to get the message across to local residents to report any concerns so that we can address any potential problems."

Anyone who knows people selling car stereo equipment and suspects it might be stolen should call 0845 4567000.