AN arrest has been made in connection with the theft of high value BMWs across Worcestershire.

We have reported how a series of newer model BMWs have been stolen in Worcester, Pershore and Droitwich in so-called 'car key burglaries' but also 'keyless thefts' using a scanner.

DI Dave Knight said on Thursday: "West Mercia Police officers from Worcester Proactive CID carried out an arrest on Wednesday, June 23 of an adult male in the Durham area on suspicion of vehicle theft.

"At the same time house searches were carried out in the Durham and Birmingham area. The male has been released under investigation. "

We have already reported how West Mercia Police has been responding to a spate of thefts of newer model BMWs across south Worcestershire and believe the cars may be being 'stolen to order', possibly by criminal gangs from outside the area although detectives are keeping an open mind.

BMWs were stolen from Isaacs Way, Droitwich on June 7 and from Woolmead Row and Brecon Avenue, Worcester on May 19.

On May 11 in Goldcrest Way, Droitwich two BMWs were stolen from two houses and have yet to be recovered.

These two thefts were 'keyless' using a key scanner.

This types of thefts occur where cars are operated by a keyless entry start and stop system.

DI Dave Knight, South Worcestershire Offender Management and Proactive CID, advised drivers who had these types of cars to use a Faraday bag, a form of signal-blocking security car key protector, which stops the key communicating with the scanner and therefore prevents the vehicle from being stolen.

Overnight on June 17 into June 18 another BMW was stolen from Penrice Road, Droitwich.

The car has yet to be recovered. This was a car key burglary where someone enters someone's home, steals the keys and then makes off in the car.

Meanwhile, three BMWs and an Audi were stolen from Pershore High Street on Monday. One of the BMWs was recovered later that morning from Matthias Avenue, Malvern.

It was not believed to have been damaged.

The three BMWs – an M5, X1 and 3 Series – stolen in Pershore along with an Audi A5 were taken after thieves smashed their way into Pershore Motor Group on the High Street.

The M5, the most valuable vehicle valued at £25,000 was recovered in a cul-de-sac in Malvern with the other three heading to the same destination before being picked up by ANPR cameras heading towards the Sparkbrook area of Birmingham.

DI Knight said: "The great majority of these cars have been stolen in the last couple of months to six weeks within South Worcestershire.

"We are working hard to identify the suspects committing these crimes.

"We're also looking at the wider picture to determine why these particular vehicles are being stolen and where they're ending up. We are exploring the possibility they are being stolen to order."

Police are also exploring the possibility the offenders may be operating nationally.

Those with information can contact West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency or if a crime is in progress the public is advised to call 999.