Detectives have been tracking a number of ‘car key’ raids
Abigail Neep South West Regional News Reporter
19:50, 10 Apr 2026
File photo of a police car(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Three men from Bristol have been charged after a spate of burglaries across the South West.
Cole Howland, 22, Blake Huygens, 22, and Gary Warman, 34, were arrested in south Bristol on Wednesday, April 8 as part of an investigation into ‘car key’ burglaries led by Avon and Somerset Police.
The total 27 alleged offences happened at commercial and residential properties between November 2025 and April 2026.
The areas targeted were Bedminster and Hartcliffe in Bristol and Easter Compton and Iron Acton in South Gloucestershire.
Burglaries also took place in Clevedon, Felton and Winscombe in North Somerset, and Bathford, Chelwood, Clutton, Farmborough and Midsomer Norton in North East Somerset and Bath.
There were also break-ins at Musbury and Seaton in Devon.
Howland, from Hartcliffe, has been charged with 10 counts of dwelling burglary and theft, and one count of conspiracy to commit burglary.
Huygens, 22 from Bedminster, has been charged with four counts of dwelling burglary and theft, four counts of commercial burglary, and one count each of aggravated vehicle taking without owner’s consent, theft, attempted dwelling burglary with theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary.
Warman, from Bedminster, will face one count each of dwelling burglary and theft, commercial burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
The three men were due to appear for the first time before Bristol Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (Friday, April 10).
Detective Inspector Tim Mullins said: “The impact of any burglary offence can be huge on victims, especially when it happens within their own home.
“These charges represent a really positive step forward in our investigation and all three men will appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court for their first appearance later today (Friday 10 April).”