BURGLARS are breaking into houses, taking car keys and stealing on average one vehicle a week in Derbyshire, police figures show.
Detectives have revealed that, between January 1 and November 30, they were called to 52 cases where raiders forced their way into homes across the county and stole keys so they could drive away owners' cars.
The figure shows a rise of 22% on the same period the previous year, which saw 43 similar incidents.
Police say some vehicles are being stolen to order while others are used to commit other crimes.
Acting Det Sgt Tony Fox said: "We believe the figure shows an increase because vehicles are becoming increasingly difficult to steal without keys, hence offenders are committing burglaries to get the keys.
"In some cases, the vehicles are being used for other crimes such as other burglaries and also petty offences such as fuel thefts from garage forecourts but we also believe some cars are being stolen to order with specific vehicles being identified and targeted."
One of the most recent incidents saw an Audi A1 stolen from outside a house in Atlantic Way, Alvaston, on November 9. Raiders prised open a conservatory window to get in.
Another case happened in September in West End Drive, Ilkeston, when two cars – a grey Citroen C1 and a black Mercedes E250 – were stolen.
A week earlier, a third burglary took place in High Lane West, West Hallam. A burglar entered the house and took a set of car keys before driving off in a blue Volkswagen Golf that was parked in the driveway. A wedding ring, earrings and a bracelet were also stolen.
Det Sgt Fox said: "In recent years, car manufacturers have vastly improved vehicle security to prevent thieves from stealing cars. As a result, criminals have resorted to more elaborate ways of stealing vehicles. Thieves are breaking into homes with a specific view to stealing car keys and then taking the vehicle from outside. Often these crimes take place when the occupants are at home."
Det Sgt Fox said some of the vehicles that are taken are shipped abroad or stripped down and the parts sold on.
Others are cloned – having their registration marked changed – and may take a long period of time before they are identified back to their original form.
Det Sgt Fox urged people to ensure their are homes were secure and warned them not leave car keys on kitchen ledges or tables where they can be easily found.
He also urged owners to park their cars in garages where possible.
He said: "Many of these offences are preventable with the offenders getting into the house via an insecure door or window after seeing keys left in view. Other offences have occurred when keys have been left near doors and implements have been used to remove them through the letter-box.
"It is important owners take extra precautions to limit the chances of becoming a victim of car key burglary.
"Residents should ensure properties are secure during the evening, even when they are at home, and overnight.
"I would also ask residents to remain vigilant and look out for neighbours. If you see anyone acting suspiciously report it to the police."
