MOTORISTS are being advised to take extra precautions after a spate of thefts of keyless vehicles in Cleveland.

Ninety vehicles have been reportedly stolen since December 2017, resulting in 27 people being arrested in connection with the thefts.

According to Cleveland Police, Ford Fiestas are the main model to be stolen with the figures amounting to nearly half, but various other models have also been taken.

Each of the cars were reportedly taken with the use of a device which allows security features to be bypassed and the vehicles to be taken without a key/fob.

Officers are warning all drivers to be aware of the device and take extra care.

Two thirds of the stolen vehicles have now been recovered.

Out of the 27 arrests, 6 of the men arrested were each charged with theft of a motor vehicle, 16 men aged between 15 to 49-years-old have all been released pending investigation and 5 of the men arrested were released without charge.