Police in the Moorlands have released a list of the car makes and models most frequently targeted by thieves.

The update came as the local force says it's ramping up local patrols in an effort to put a stop to "increasingly commonplace" vehicle thefts.

Officers have also issued advice on how local people can keep their cars safe.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police's Moorlands team said: "Staffordshire Police is proactively working to stop vehicle crime, with increased patrols of local areas, and by working closely with regional forces to share intelligence. Help us help you in our work to deter criminals from stealing cars from residential properties.

"Theft of vehicles is increasingly commonplace with offenders either utilising keyless technology such as fobs/relay devices or gaining entry into a property to steal car keys."

They explained that the following makes and models are most often targeted:

• Ford Fiesta
• Ford Focus
• Ford Transit
• Ford Ranger
• Audi A4
• Audi RS4
• Audi TT
• Audi A3
• Audi Q3
• Audi Q7
• BMW M40
• MBW 330
• BMW X5
• Mercedes C220
• Mercedes Sprinter

They added: Staffordshire Police is proactively working to stop vehicle crime, with increased patrols of local areas, and by working closely with regional forces to share intelligence.

"Help us help you in our work to deter criminals from stealing cars from residential properties."

They issued advice on how to protect your car including:

• Place key fobs in faraday pouches. This prevents thieves from intercepting the car fob signal.
• Consider the use of steering wheel locks
• Keep your cars locked
• Keep car keys out of reach and out of sight
• Keep doors and windows locked and secure
• Park your car in a well lit area

To report a crime you can call 101 or message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter. Always call 999 in an emergency.