Three cars stolen during burglaries in Telford
Motorists in Telford are being urged to keep their car keys safe following a number of burglaries in the borough.
Three vehicles were stolen overnight where thieves entered insecure homes, stole car keys and the vehicles were subsequently stolen.
Police are now warning motorists to keep keys to their vehicles in a secure place and to secure their homes before going to bed.
Steve Loveridge, Crime Risk Advisor at Malinsgate Police Station said that some homeowners were leaving doors insecure to enable other family members access to the property later on during the night.
He said: "On some occasions people have been leaving doors unlocked for children to come home. Car keys have been left on view and thieves have been sneaking in and taking them and the vehicle. My advice is that it is far safer to trust your child with a key rather than leaving a door open.
"Most cars are now fitted with hi-tech anti-theft devices that make it difficult to steal a car without a key. Burglars are more interested in getting the keys so please don't leave them in view."
The first incident took place at an address in Manor Rise in Arleston some time between 10.30pm on Tuesday and 2am today. Thieves made their way in to the property through an insecure door and stole the keys to a silver Vauxhall Astra. The vehicle was later found abandoned in Boulton Grange in Randlay and recovered by police.
Another incident took place at an address in Peveril Bank in Dawley Bank between 11.20pm on Tuesday and 1.10am today. Keys to a blue Rover were stolen from the kitchen and the vehicle was stolen. It was later involved in a road traffic collision in Wellington.
Then some time between 12.55am and 1.05am today, thieves entered a property in The Savannahs in Dothill via insecure doors and stole keys to a silver Volvo. This vehicle was also subsequently stolen. It was later involved in a road traffic collision in Haybridge Road.
All of the vehicles have been recovered by police and are currently being forensically examined.
Mr Loveridge added: "Police are investigating the incidents and would appeal to anyone with information in relation to any of the incidents to come forward."
Telford Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.
