AVON and Somerset Police are advising people to think safety after a spate of recent car key burglaries.

The four isolated incidents have happened in Bath, Bristol and Yeovil over the last week.

In a couple of cases keys were left hung up near a front door and burglars have used implements to reach them through the letter box.

In one offence the keys were left on display on the window sill and the offenders broke in via a window to steal them.

Another incident involved burglars spotting house keys that were left in a car outside and using them to break into the house and steal the car keys in order to take the car.

DCI Gary Haskins said: “With the improved security of modern cars thieves increasingly target the keys, including breaking into homes or fishing through letterboxes to get them.

“Your keys are worth as much as your car. Always put them securely away out of sight – never leave them in the back of a door or within view through the letterbox or window.

“Always lock your car, even if you’re only leaving it for a few moments, and never leave any valuables on view inside.”

TOP TIPS FOR SECURING YOUR HOME.

•Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden.

•Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox).

•Install a visual burglar alarm and good outside lighting.

•Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.

•Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.

•Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows.

•Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your property for free with Immobilise.

•Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault.