MOTORISTS are urged to be on their guard following a number of car key burglaries across north Worcestershire, including Wythall.

Police have issued the warning after reports of expensive cars being stolen where by thieves have reached keys through a letterbox from outside using a fishing rod or bamboo cane.

According to Bromsgrove's crime risk manager Stan Baker, car key burglars tend to target more expensive vehicles 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.

"Wherever possible, park your car in a garage overnight and make sure you remember to lock it.

"And most importantly, get into the habit of leaving your car keys out of sight and well away from the front door so that they cannot be targeted by a potential thief."