POLICE are warning people to be careful where they leave their keys after a series of burglaries aimed at stealing expensive cars.

There have been five incidents this month when thieves broke into houses and took the car keys, before driving off in the vehicles.

Police believe the offenders have attempted to get into several other houses. DI Amber Waywell said: “At all of the incidents it has just been the car keys taken. They need the keys because the cars have immobilisers, which is why we are having burglaries rather than only car thefts. I would always recommend taking car keys upstairs to bed if possible, so they can’t easily be found. Even when you are awake, it is important to know where your keys are.

“I would also remind people to make sure that their car keys aren’t kept on the same set of keys as their house keys, so if they are taken, they don’t have to change all the locks.”

In all but one case, the burglaries have taken place overnight and been discovered the following morning by the car owners. All the cars are 12 to 18 months old and worth between £15,000 and £30,000. The first burglary was in Starling Road, Radcliffe, on June 4 when an Audi and Mercedes were stolen. On June 12, a Vauxhall Astra and an Audi were stolen from in Boundary Drive, Bradley Fold. A Ford Focus was taken from Hanson Street, Bury, and a Renault Megane taken from Denton Street, Bury, on June 15.On June 16, a BMW 3 series was stolen from Buttermere Drive, Ramsbottom.

The Renault Megane was found in Rochdale, as it had a tracker.