Theft of car keys to facilitate car theft.

From the Neighbourhood Watch OWL messaging system

Residents in the Tunstall area should be aware that there is a car thief in the area. Last night an attempt to break into a house in Bank Street by removing a window pane , which is believed to steal the car keys.

As cars have become more secure, theft of car keys as a means of car theft has increased. This necessitates making sure that your home is secure as well as your car.

Do not leave keys visible from the outside e.g. on a kitchen worktop or hall table. We have had cases of fishing - where an instrument has been put through an open window or letterbox to lift the keys out.