DRIVERS in Bromsgrove and surrounding districts are being warned by police after reports of car key burglaries in the area.

Police say offenders have used fishing rods, bamboo canes or similar items to hook keys through letterboxes or open windows, particularly late evenings, overnight and at weekends.

The latest incident took place between 11.15pm on Monday, March 6, and 7.30am the following day. Offenders stole car keys from a house in Ashmead Drive, Cofton Hackett.

They then used the keys to steal the car, a silver Audi TT, from the driveway.

Police believe that the keys were hooked through the letter box from outside.

Crime risk manager for Bromsgrove, PC Stan Baker, said: "There have been several reported incidents around Rubery, Cofton Hackett, Rednal, Wythall and Bromsgrove.

"Car key burglars tend to target more expensive models of cars which, because of their sophisticated security systems and immobilisers, can only be taken with the keys."

He added: "We want people to be alert to this type of incident and to take some simple measures to protect their keys and ultimately their cars."

Drivers are advised to park cars in a garage overnight and remember to lock it. Keys should be out of sight and well away from the front door so that they cannot be targeted by a potential thief.