Police issue warning to Audi owners after 39 cars broken into within days

A 23-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incidents

Thirty-nine Audi cars have been broken into this week in Leicestershire (Getty Images)

Audi owners in Leicestershire may want to think about finally installing that outdoor garage after a staggering 39 cars were broken into over the last few days.

Police are now issuing warnings to Audi drivers in Leicestershire and Rutland after the German vehicles had their front windows smashed and glove boxes raided in a spate of offences since 4 July.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incidents and is currently in custody, Leicester Police said.

The break-ins occurred in a number of regions including Harborough, Ketton, Gilmorton and Kibworth.

One victim told police that the cars were being targeted due to emergency keys often being stored in the glove box, the Leicester Mercury reports.

Police are now urging Audi drivers to remove the emergency keys and also contact their supplier for further advice.

Detective Sergeant Steven Hutchings said: “Although we can’t say for certain at this stage, we are looking into the possibility that the incidents may be linked, one line of enquiry that we are looking into is that the Audis may have been deliberately targeted to obtain an emergency key which can sometimes be found in the glove box.

“From enquiries we’ve conducted so far we believe the suspects may have been driving a black Audi Estate, if you saw a similar vehicle driving off at speed or if you have any information which can assist with the investigation please contact us.

A spokesperson for Audi has also asked its customers to never leave spare sets of keys in the glove compartment.

“Audi is absolutely committed to setting the very highest standards for security,” the spokesperson said.

“However, no vehicle is immovable if its key is accessible, so we advise all drivers never to leave spare sets in their cars. Audi UK is currently assisting Leicestershire Police with its enquiries relating to the break-ins in this area.”