Warwickshire Police said it knows of teams of car thieves who visit hotel and public house car parks where they know there will be company drinks or parties taking place after work.

A spokesman said: ‘Some look for cars arriving just after work and check to see if there are a series of vehicles of the same make, with similar registration numbers or company parking badges in their windscreen, indicating that they are being driven by people from the same organisation.

‘Other thieves will simply sit and watch people arriving at a restaurant, pub or hotel to see if they transfer anything to the boot before they go inside.

‘Car thieves know that once the driver is inside they have a certain amount of time to break into their car and steal any items of value.

‘Thieves tend to target company cars because the likelihood of finding a laptop computer or other high-value equipment inside is higher, but all cars are potential targets.’

The force issued the following advice: leave the glovebox open and remove or open the rear parcel shelf to show there is nothing in the boot; keep the number of CDs in the car to a minimum; and use a visible anti-theft device such as a steering wheel lock, even if your vehicle is fitted with an immobiliser.

‘Car thieves want to be in and out of a car with minimum time and effort. If you show them there is nothing to steal, and also make it look like your car is well protected, they are less likely to target your vehicle,’ the spokesman said.