Police have issued advice to car owners following multiple reports of key thefts on the same night

Between 3am and 4am on Sunday, April 12, there were four reports of keys being taken in South Avenue and The Chase, in Gillingham.

Keys were reported missing from four separate addresses.

In one incident two vehicles, a blue Vauxhall Corsa and a black Mercedes C220 were reported stolen and at another address, a designer coat was reported stolen from a front porch which had been left unlocked.

Residents from two other addresses also reported hearing noises and finding marks on their front doors.

Detective Constable Dan Bister of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad said: "While we are connecting these incidents, I want to remind residents that burglars are opportunist thieves and will be on the lookout for easy properties to target.

"Residents can help to protect themselves by making sure keys, cash and expensive items are not visible from the outside of their homes.

"Electronic car keys can also be stored in a signal blocking pouch so they can’t be scanned by criminals.

"Other ways in which people can protect themselves against thieves include double-locking uPVC doors and windows and using timer switches on lights and radios.

"I would ask that anyone in the area of The Chase or South Avenue to review their CCTV from between 3am and 4am on Sunday, April 12 and contacts us if anyone is seen‘.

Anyone with information about any of these offences is asked to call Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting 46/63252/20.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111, or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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