A BURGLAR who stole four cars after breaking into a house in Iron Acton and taking the keys has been jailed for more than four years.
Gary Warman (above), of Bedminster in Bristol, was one of a number of criminals who took cars from across the region.
Bristol Crown Court heard that he broke into a home in Iron Acton and stole the keys to four Volvo and VW cars, before the vehicles were driven away.
He also stole a Mini Cooper from a business in Exeter.
When arrested, 34-year-old Warman, of Whitehouse Lane, was in possession of a hunting knife.
He was jailed for four years and five months in October after admitting burglary, theft and possessing an offensive weapon.
Two other men were jailed for three years each in September after being charged as part of the same investigation.
Cole Howland, 23, of no fixed address, admitted five counts of burglary and theft, relating to break-ins at homes in Bathford, Chelwood, Clevedon and Easter Compton and the theft of BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes and Range Rover cars as well as cash and bank cards.
Blake Huygens, 23, of Sidmouth Road, Knowle West, burgled businesses in Axminster and Seaton, Devon, stealing car keys, and took a Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta from a firm in Farmborough, near Bath.
He also admitted aggravated vehicle taking involving driving a stolen vehicle and theft from a business in Exeter.
‘Look out for your neighbours’
Detective Inspector Tim Mullins, who led an Avon & Somerset Police operation to tackle car key burglary, said: “Having your home broken into is uniquely upsetting and has an effect on victims over and above the inconvenience and financial cost.
“This case shows that criminals will travel widely and break into homes and businesses to enable them to steal cars with the keys.
“Please do look out for your neighbours by reporting any unusual activity around homes and vehicles.
“As the darker evenings draw in, we’d also recommend security lighting and locking up and setting the alarm, if you have one, at night as well as when you’re out.”