BOLD thieves stole a Land Rover while the owner was just a few steps away closing the gate to his home.

The man had driven the vehicle out of the drive of his Holt Fleet home and left the keys in the ignition and the engine running while he closed the gates.

Police said he was only three or four steps away when a man jumped into the driver's seat and drove off.

The green Land Rover, registration T45 SNW, was seen heading off up Droitwich Road and turned left towards Great Witley after the incident at 9am yesterday.

The thief who drove off inthe Land Rover is described as a white man in his early 20s with short, dark cropped hair, and was wearing a white or cream jersey.

Police believe a second man in an H registration white Ford Fiesta with blue headlights may also be involved. He is described as white, in his early 20s, slim with dark hair.

The theft has prompted police to warn motorists to remove keys from their cars when they get out.

"We would urge drivers not to leave the keys in the ignition when they are leaving a vehicle, no matter how quickly you will be returning to it," said crime risk manager PC Mike Stephen.

"It takes just a matter of seconds for someone to get into the driver's seat and drive off.

"Simply taking the keys out the ignition whether you are outside your house, in a petrol station or outside a shop, could save you the cost and inconvenience of having your car stolen."

Anyone with information about the theft should contact PC Tim Larrad on 01905 723888 quoting c/577446.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Calls are free and the caller may be eligible for a reward if the information results in an arrest and charge.