PATROLS have been stepped up after a spate of burglaries involving balaclava-clad thieves, crowbars and luxury cars. 

In some of the incidents reported, thieves have broken into properties, stolen car keys and other items before driving off in high-performing vehicles.

Residents have been urged to report any suspicious behaviour, such as people scoping out properties by driving by very slowly. 

The majority of incidents have happened during the daytime, mainly in the afternoon, and have involved a group of people wearing face coverings carrying golf clubs or crowbars. 

They tend to flee in a vehicle at speed, and several different vehicles have been used.

On Friday, March 15 three men wearing face coverings, who were carrying a crowbar, broke into a property by smashing a rear patio door in Mickleton at around 2.30pm.

They were disturbed by someone inside and then fled in a vehicle. 

It is believed that they were attempting to steal two high-performance vehicles which were parked at the address.

Officers attended the incident, with support from the National Police Air Service, however the thieves were not located.

Other recent incidents include reports of break-ins and attempt burglaries in Tetbury, Weston-sub-Edge, Chipping Campden, Shipton Oliffe, Farmington and other surrounding areas. 

One vehicle, which was stolen from Shipton Oliffe, was recovered a day later in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Residents have been home during several of the incidents, which has led to the offenders fleeing. 

No-one has been physically injured, however people are shaken by what has happened.

A resident spotted a vehicle being refuelled at a petrol station by someone wearing a face covering who left without paying, which police believe may be linked to these incidents. 

Officers have asked petrol stations staff to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 999.

A vehicle was recently stopped out of county by another police force and three men - aged 20, 21 and 34 - were arrested on suspicion of committing burglaries in the Cotswolds.

They were all released on bail with conditions to not enter the area or associate with each other while further inquiries take place.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who has not already spoken to police and who may have CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist the ongoing investigations. 

Anyone with footage or information can provide this to police online by completing a form on Gloucestershire police's website quoting incident 348 of March 13.

Residents should call 999 if a crime is happening at the time, if a suspect is nearby, if someone is in immediate danger or if there is a risk of serious damage to a property.