Police warn drivers of risks when handing over keys

Terence Baxter* had booked a meet-and-greet service to park his Volkswagen at Heathrow airport while he and his wife went on holiday.

- Anna Tims

Before handing over keys check reviews and look for Park Mark logo.

The couple handed over the keys at the drop-off site and were driven to the terminal - and that was the last they saw of their car. On their return they were informed by the company that it had been stolen.

Their case comes as airports and police forces are warning travellers to be wary of "unofficial" operators advertising cheap long-stay parking after a rise in complaints.

Returning holidaymakers have been reporting vehicles that have been damaged, burgled or stolen while in the care of meet-and-greet companies.

Some have received penalty charge notices (PCNS) for parking breaches while their cars were in supposedly secure compounds, while others were left stranded at the arrivals terminal when their meet-and-greet service failed to materialise.