An individual has been charged with theft and fraud offences after a number of vehicle break-ins across the Yate area.

Tyrone Love, 26 of Yate is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court on Thursday March 14.

He is charged with theft of bank cards in Rodford Way, Yate on January 17 and three counts of fraud by false representation.

This is related to the use of the bank cards in a shop in the town on January 19.

Love was found and charged by police as a response to a huge increase in vehicle crime in the town at the turn of the year in January.

Police confirmed that twenty-eight thefts and attempted thefts from cars and vans were reported in just over a two week period.

This period was from January 5 to January 21.

The incidents were reported in a number of residential roads around the Rodford Way area, notably in Blaisdon, Bredon, Brockworth, Chargrove, Glenfall, Hatherley, Shire Way and Witcombe.

The majority of these incidents showed no sign of forced entry.

This number shows an increase of 22 incidents from the same time period last year in 2018 and so far this month, February, there have been only six reported.

Avon and Somerset Police released a statement in relation to the rise in vehicle crime, informing people to be vigilant.

"Officers encourage people to remove any valuables such as tools, cash, satnavs, bags and wallets from their vehicles," a spokesperson said.

"If you see anyone behaving suspiciously around a neighbour’s car or van, call us immediately. If they’re obviously committing a crime, call 999, otherwise ring 101."