POLICE are stepping up patrols to put the brake on criminals targeting high performance cars.
Recent weeks have seen a huge increase in the number of top-of-the-range cars stolen after burglaries at the owners' homes.
The offenders break in and take the car keys, which are often left on open view.
Detective Constable John Wagstaff, of Skipton CID, said: "This type of crime has been going on for some time but has increased recently."
Since the beginning of the year, there have been nine such offences, but eight of those have been in the past three weeks.
The cars involved have a total value of more than £100,000.
DC Wagstaff added: "We would urge the public to review security at their home. Car keys - and that includes spares - should be hidden away rather than left where they are visible."
Police are also asking residents to report anything suspicious immediately.
"We believe that the offenders could be targeting these cars while they are out, and then following them home. Motorists should be vigilant," said DC Wagstaff.
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