Keys and cars stolen in Shropshire as windows left open on warm nights

The vehicles were driven away from houses in Rowan Drive, Alder Road and Harrington in Shifnal after their keys were stolen in a spate of break-ins.

Now West Mercia Police is reminding homeowners to take extra care when locking up their homes for the evening after thieves struck at a total of four properties in the area overnight on July 28 and 29.

The fourth burglary happened at Bowling Green Lane in Albrighton.

The culprits got into all of the properties through an insecure door or window before taking the keys to the cars.

Officers are reminding residents to take simple crime prevention steps and ensure they lock front and back doors - particularly at night - even if they are in the house.

Windows that can easily be entered from the outside, such as ground floor windows or windows where a roof or other object could be climbed on to gain access, should also be closed.

The force said valuables such as car keys, mobile phones and wallets should be hidden out of view and not left near open windows.

Shropshire's local policing commander Superintendent Jason Wells, said: "We want people to think about what they do with their car keys when they get home, it can be convenient to leave them near the door but this can make it easy for burglars.

"Our advice would be hide them away in a drawer or take them upstairs with you when you go to bed.

"It's also really important to make sure the house is locked up before you go to bed.

"With the nice weather it's easy to leave doors and windows open but they are just an open invitation thieves.

"We work tirelessly to catch these burglars but we want our local residents to help us too and make it even harder for them in the first place."

Detective are carrying out inquiries into the incidents and are appealing for information. Any witnesses should contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference OIC2381.