Police across the South West of England have launched a major crackdown on rogue parking firms operating near Bristol Airport, which have left several vehicles damaged.

The operation saw the authorities act after receiving reports that vehicles parked near the airport had suffered criminal damage and were returned with unexplained additional mileage.

The enforcement action comes as the summer holiday season approaches, with officials warning travellers about the risks of using unregulated parking services that operate away from official airport facilities.

The investigation revealed that some customers' cars were being driven by individuals suspected of operating without insurance.

The police recovered roughly 20 vehicles abandoned by rogue parking operators

Vehicles were also implicated in various parking and driving offences while in the custody of these unofficial firms. Officers discovered that some cars were returned to owners in undrivable or unroadworthy conditions, while some vehicles were simply abandoned in breach of parking restrictions.

Local villages bore the brunt of the illegal operations, with vehicles left in dangerous or obstructive positions requiring removal by tow trucks.

The scale of the problem became apparent when enforcement teams found 20 vehicles that unofficial "meet and greet" operators had failed to return, leaving families with young children stranded at the airport for hours after their flights.

During the operation, officers made a disturbing discovery when they found a customer's vehicle being used to transport keys belonging to other holidaymakers.

Police found abandoned cars which were used for criminal acts

Images from the scene showed car keys piled haphazardly on the front seat and in the footwell, leaving them vulnerable to theft.

The enforcement action also uncovered three unlicensed taxis operating in the area, which are now under investigation by licensing authorities.

Additional suspected offences relating to insurance violations, immigration issues and licensing breaches were identified, with enquiries ongoing.

The operation highlighted the chaotic nature of these unofficial services, with customer property left unsecured and vehicles being used inappropriately while owners believed their cars were safely parked during their holidays.

Sgt Danielle Hardaway said: "The last thing anyone wants is the worry over whether their car will be returned to them or not when they return from holiday.

"We have had reports of cars being returned damaged or with excess mileage and, in some cases, have been driven by people who are uninsured as well as being involved in driving offences."

With the busy summer season approaching, Hardaway advised travellers to choose parking operators carefully. "If the price seems too good to be true, then it often is," she cautioned, recommending that people look for the British Parking Association's police-backed Park Mark Safer Parking scheme.

Dave Lees, Chief Executive of Bristol Airport, welcomed the enforcement action and pledged continued cooperation with police and council colleagues to tackle rogue operators.

Drivers have been warned of the danger of parking with unofficial services

"They are a nuisance to local communities and cause distress to customers who use them, with many completely unaware of where their cars end up," he said.

Lees urged travellers to seek Park Mark accreditation, which all official airport car parks possess, to ensure their vehicles are safely parked during trips.

James Clayton from North Somerset Council warned about the increasing number of holidaymakers being misled by deceptive parking companies.

"Our priority is to ensure consumers are informed and protected," he said, advising anyone experiencing problems with parking operators to report them to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline.