THIEVES made off with two vehicles in the early hours of this morning after more car key burglaries in the area.

The first burglary took place sometime between 2am and 8am today when a white Ford Fiesta (registration number: MA15 DKM) was taken from a drive on Clare Close, Thatto Heath.

It is believed offenders forced entry to the property by damaging a window and reached inside to take the keys from the kitchen. They then left the scene in the car.

In the second incident, offenders used an implement through the letterbox of a property on Breydon Gardens to remove car keys from a table in the hallway. The incident happened some time between 12.30am and 8am today. They then stole a silver Ford Kuga (registration number: YY16 HBF) from the drive.

Detective Constable Roy Waller from St Helens CID said: "We would like to reassure the community that we are working to identify the people responsible, and locate the car.

"The weather has been very warm and sunny this week, so homeowners may be tempted to leave windows and doors open. But I would urge local residents to ensure their houses are as secure as possible and check their front doors, windows and garage doors to prevent becoming easy targets. It is also a good idea to leave any keys safely out of sight. Once you get into the habit of doing a quick check it doesn't take much time at all and can save you a lot of distress in the long run.

"If you have a garage use it, or if you park on a driveway ensure you close your gates at night and consider putting an obstruction such as your wheelie bin in front of your vehicle.

"Always put your car keys out of sight and never leave them in the back of your door. If possible use a steering wheel lock on your vehicle, which are unappealing to thieves looking to make a fast getaway.

"These people are looking for the easiest and least confrontational way to steal a vehicle, so anything you can do to make it harder for them means you are less likely to fall victim.

"We all need to be vigilant. If you see anyone acting suspiciously report it to the police. These offenders will need to walk up driveways to look through doors and windows to see if there are keys in sight of a door or window. If you notice any such behaviour contact the police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999."

Anyone who recognises the car, or has information in relation to this offence or burglaries in general is asked to contact St Helens CID on 0151 777 6802, the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

To minimise the risk of car key burglary Merseyside Police have issued the following advice:

If you have a garage, please park your car in it. Many people with garages use them for storage. This will keep your cars out of the sight of preying eyes

On entering the house lock the front door behind you
Never leave your car keys near a door or window. Criminals can hook keys through open windows and letter-boxes. It is therefore vital that householders do hide the keys from view. People have keys stolen without anyone even entering the premises

Do not leave car keys in an obvious place; make it as hard as possible for the thief

Do not leave house keys in the back of your door lock

Consider installing security lights to the front and rear of your property

If you are threatened with violence for your car keys is to hand them over do not put yourself at risk

Special letter-box cowlings are also available – they allow your papers and post to be delivered, but stops the ‘hook & canes’ fishing

Householders also need to make sure that they take other simple crime prevention measures to ensure that they don’t become victims of sneak-in thieves or burglary, such as remembering not to leave doors and windows unlocked

The Force is also offering the following crime prevention advice to keep homes safe this winter:

During the dark nights, use a light timing device to switch the lights on (ensuring your blinds/curtains are drawn)

Always lock your windows and doors. If you haven't got windows locks, you are advised to get window locks fitted. If you have window locks - use them

Always check your front and back door are secure even if you are in

Secure your shed and garage properly. Don't leave tools lying around

Security mark all your home and garden equipment with full postcode using a UV marker pen or permanent marker. This can help make it easier for victims to be reunited with your property if you are the victim of a burglary and the items are recovered