THREE men have been taken into police custody as part of an investigation into domestic burglaries across the Westcountry, including parts of Somerset.

Officers arrested the men in south Bristol on Wednesday (April 8) on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.

The offences are believed to have happened between last November and this month across the Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall policing areas.

They involved so-called ‘car-key burglaries’, where thieves enter homes to take keys, enabling them to steal cars parked outside.

All three men, two aged 22 years and one aged 34, remain in police custody while inquiries continue.

The arrests were part of a co-ordinated operation involving policing teams including neighbourhood, emergency response, and the criminal investigation department.

Det Insp Tim Mullins said: “We understand the deep personal impact of burglary on householders, over and above any financial loss or inconvenience.

“We are committed to taking robust action against offenders and determined to work proactively to identify and disrupt criminals.

“I would urge people to continue to look out for each other in our communities by reporting any suspicious activity as it happens.

“Even if we arre unable to take immediate action as a result, any such information adds up and can provide important evidence in these complex inquiries.”

Anybody who witnesses a crime ongoing should always call 999, and to report anything else, they can either call 101 or visit the Avon and Somerset Constabulary website.

Home security advice and other crime prevention tips can also be found on the website.