RESIDENTS across Forth Valley have been urged to be wary after an ongoing spate of thefts of high-value and high-performance cars.

Since May, 119 vehicles have been stolen from outside properties in Forth Valley, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Fife and Dundee.

The break-ins and thefts primarily take place in the late evening, or early morning, when the occupants are in bed and there are fewer members of the public in the areas.

In some instances entry is forced to the property and the car keys have been taken after the suspects obtained them from near to the front door.

However, there have been a number of incidents where those responsible have used a signal amplifying device that picks up the frequency of the car key from outside the front door, allowing the car to be driven away without the property being accessed.

Detective Inspector Karen Muirhead said: “Preventing these crimes happening in the first instance is our top priority and the public have a vital role to play in this.

“I would urge all homeowners to consider what their current home security looks like and evaluate if it could be enhanced through the use of measures such as alarms, motion-activated lights and CCTV.

“For those with electric key fobs, please consider buying a faraday box or pouch, which blocks the signal from being detected and amplified to open and start your vehicle. At the very least, please do not leave keys near the door or entryway of your home.

“Following engagement with victims, we have established that many prefer to leave keys and valuables near doors so that in the event their homes are broken into, thieves do not venture further inside the property.

"In our experience, the likelihood of this occurring is extremely rare, with most criminals seeking an easy and quick grab, rather than having to search the entire house.

“We are treating all of these crimes with the utmost seriousness and would urge anyone with information that can assist our ongoing inquiries to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.