THIEVES broke into a home before making off with keys before stealing the family car.

The burglars broke into the home on St John Street, Thatto Heath between 10.30pm on Tuesday, November 6 and 7.50am on Wednesday, November 7, and took keys for a grey five-door Audi Q2 hatchback.

The car has now been found in Widnes. 

This follows a similar incident on Bonfire Night, Monday, November 5, when crooks targeted a home on Leach Lane, Sutton Leach between 6.30pm and 8.20pm, breaking in through a back door and taking keys to the family's a grey VW Golf, before driving the car away.

Detective Inspector Louise Birchall said: "We would like to reassure the community that we are working to identify the people responsible, and locate the missing VW Golf car.

"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 if possible use a steering wheel lock on your vehicle, which are unappealing to thieves looking to make a fast getaway.

"Criminals 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 either vehicle, or has information in relation to these offences or burglaries in general is asked to contact police by direct messaging @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police CC’ on Facebook. Alternatively call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.