More than 1,000 cars have been left unattended in a muddy field by five companies promising off-site parking for Gatwick Airport.
Drivers are being charged £50 a week for the service, which is being investigated by police.
Sussex Police has issued a warning to holidaymakers after more than 1,000 vehicles were found unattended in a boggy field near Gatwick Airport.
The force is working in conjunction with Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council Trading Standards to investigate five companies suspected of operating illegally at the site.
The businesses claim to offer secure, reliable and affordable parking for people accessing the airport.
Officers are urging drivers to beware of rogue traders and only book with approved parking companies, pending the investigation.
Representatives from the police and the councils visited the field – the exact location of which is not being disclosed to protect customers' vehicles – on Wednesday (22 June).
On arrival, they discovered hundreds of keys to the vehicles in the boot of a car which was left open and unlocked, while several others were covered in mud.
In addition, some keys were left in envelopes on the windscreens of the cars they belonged to – in full view of anyone passing by.
More than 1,000 cars have been left unattended in a muddy field by companies promising to provide 'off-site' parking for Gatwick Airport.
More than 1,000 cars have been left unattended in a muddy field by five companies promising off-site parking for Gatwick Airport.