BURGLARS made off with a white Mercedes A200 and a VW Golf after taking car keys from a Prescot home.

The vehicles were taken from a property on Friday, August 11, alongside a tan-coloured Mulberry bag.

The Mercedes and bag were later recovered.

Detectives are appealing for information following the incident, which took place between midnight and 7.15am when the offenders entered the property through a window.

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

"The weather can be warm in the summer months, so there is an obvious temptation 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."

He added: “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.

"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."

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