Drivers in Audlem are being warned to be more careful with their cars and car keys at home after a series of thefts in the area.
The advice comes from Inspector Nigel Groom of Cheshire Police after a dozen separate thefts, over a 19 day period, were reported across the south east of the county.
Thieves drove off in cars parked on driveways having, in some cases, stolen car keys from inside the house first.
“This type of crime is usually preventable,” said Inspector Groom said.
“If you have a garage, lock your car away and if you leave it on the drive, immobilise it whenever possible.
“Inside the house, be careful where you leave your keys and do not put them near the letter box or where they can be seen from a window.
“These people are stealing for profit and are targetting fairly new, high-value cars.”
Among the makes of cars taken were BMWs, Range Rovers, an Audi and several 4x4s but police are not linking the thefts at this stage.
“In a few of the incidents, they have simply sneaked into the house through an unlocked door,” Inspector Groom said.
“If the thieves have the keys in view, they only need a few seconds and are not concerned if someone is in a room next door.
“Because of the improved security on modern cars, thieves now need the keys to take the vehicle.
“In some of these cases, they have used a ‘hook and cane’ technique through letter boxes and open
windows but in others they have broken in.
“We are working hard to identify and arrest the thieves – but prevention is much better.”
Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
