CALLOUS thieves using new technology which stops people from locking their cars are targeting service stations near Reading, police have warned.

Officers believe raiders are using a device which disables the central locking on modern cars and ransacking vehicles once the owners are out of site.

The warning follows a spate of thefts at motorways in Berkshire, including two Range Rovers, a Jaguar, a Mercedes and a Fiat which were raided at Reading Services between November 26 and 28.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "Drivers using motorway services stations, particularly those along the M4 in Berkshire, are being warned that thieves could be using technology to prevent people locking their vehicles and then steal from them.

"The cars were all accessed by unknown means, ie no obvious sign of a break-in, and various pieces of luggage were stolen from the vehicles."

Officers investigating the raids have warned that motorists should double check that doors are locked before leaving their cars.

Sergeant Alan Hawkett added: "I strongly recommend that any members of the public visiting motorway services stations anywhere in the country keep all valuable items in their possession when away from their vehicle.

"Offenders may be using technology to prevent your vehicle from locking therefore we would advise a manual check of the doors before leaving your vehicle.

“I am appealing to the public who use in car dash cameras who may have been at any of the above service stations on the above dates and times to contact me. You may have captured an offence or offender on camera. I am extremely keen to review the footage.”

Anyone with information should contact the force on 101.