Car owners told to hide their keys after 13 burglaries led to vehicle thefts

Officers are reminding people to be vigilant about where they keep their car keys after a spate of burglaries across Cleveland during March in which cars were

stolen.

Thirteen burglaries were reported in March, whereby a property was burgled, car keys were located and the car was stolen.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Downes said: “Often, car keys are attached to a set of house keys.

"If someone breaks into a property and finds the house keys, it is common that the suspect can then easily take the car because the car key is attached to the same set.#

"We would advise people to keep their house and car keys separately so that this doesn't happen.

"Keys should be kept out of view of any potential burglar, not on stairs, tables or hooks near to doors where they can potentially be reached.

“In other instances we have seen car keys being stolen through letter boxes using all sorts of homemade hooks when they have been left close to a door.

"Again we would advise people not to keep keys close to doors where they can be seen.

“We are doing everything possible to catch those responsible for burgling properties in Cleveland and are dedicated to reducing the number of burglary victims in the area.

"These are just some simple ways that people can possibly prevent themselves from becoming victims.”

Anyone with information regarding burglaries in Cleveland is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or