Helicopter manhunt after car stolen

A LARGE manhunt was launched, including a helicopter and police dogs, after a car was stolen in Nailsea.

Police tracked down the Skoda Citigo in south Bristol and followed it to St Peters Rise, Headley Park, where it was abandoned.

Officers launched a huge search mission, which involved the National Police Air Service and a police dog handler, but the suspect was not found.

After further investigation, officers found the car had false number plates. It had been stolen after thieves took the keys in a burglary at a house in Station Road, Nailsea, overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

The number plates had been taken from a similar vehicle in Westbury Park.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “Roads policing officers recovered a car stolen in a burglary in Nailsea after spotting it in Bristol on March 4.

“The Skoda Citigo was seen in south Bristol and followed by officers before being abandoned at the entrance to a park in St Peters Rise, Headley Park.

“Despite a search of the area by officers on foot, supported by the National Police Air Service and a police dog handler, the suspect was not found.

“Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in Station Road, Nailsea, overnight Wednesday to Thursday.

“If you have any information or dashcam, CCTV or smart doorbell footage which could help, call 101 quoting reference 5221046397.”

Police have issued the following advice to keep vehicles safe:

» Locking up and setting the alarm, if you have one, at night as well as when you go out

» Making sure your door is locked by turning the key – some ‘paddle and stub’-handled doors might seem to be locked by lifting the handle, but can still be opened from outside

» Keeping doors and windows locked if you’re not in the same room

» Never leaving keys in the lock or in sight of the letterbox » Fitting a letterbox cage » Keeping car keys, handbags, wallets and other portable valuables out of sight

» Joining Neighbourhood Watch