HIGH powered and luxury cars are being targeted by thieves who have been breaking into homes across South Gloucestershire to snatch ignition keys.

Nearly 30 cars - ranging from a Lamborghini Gallardo to a Porsche Boxster and a BMW Z4 - were stolen in just one month in the district.

Some were taken after thieves reached through letter boxes or open windows to grab the keys, while others broke into homes to search for them.

Most of the thefts have happened in the early hours, often during the weekend, in areas that have included Bradley Stoke, Filton, Frampton Cotterell, Kingswood, Mangotsfield, Marshfield, Patchway, Severn Beach, Stoke Gifford, Thornbury, Winterbourne and Yate.

Police have recovered 21 of the vehicles, mainly in the North Bristol area, and arrested and bailed four men in connection with the thefts.

Two are 20 and from Bristol, one is 22 from Bristol and the other is a 25-year-old from Stoke Gifford. 

A further two men were charged in early September in connection with the theft of a VW Bora from Bradley Stoke.

A 21-year-old man from Little Stoke was accused of burglary,car theft and dangerous driving. A 17-year-old youth from Bristol was charged with burglary, possession of a bladed article and being carried in a stolen vehicle.

Neighbourhood police inspector Kevin Thatcher urged drivers to keep their keys out of sight and not left close to doors, windows or letter boxes at home. 

Areas targeted by the thieves are also being patrolled more often as a deterrent.