POLICE are hunting a gang of car thieves who are smashing their way into homes before targeting high-value vehicles from driveways.

In the past month the crooks have been breaking into the properties in Billinge and Garswood, snatching keys and then driving away with expensive cars, inlcuding three Mercedes, an Audi A4 and a BMW.

It is understood there have been at least eight break ins overnight during the past three weeks at homes that include Lilac Grove, Billinge Road, Falkland Drive, Thornhill Road and Elgin Avenue.

But in some cases the crooks have been forced to abandon the stolen cars after realising the vehicles were fitted with tracker devices.

Police suspect the gang are approaching houses and shining torching through windows yo see if cars keys are on show.

ANYONE with information about who is stealing the cars is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.