A spate of 'key and car' burglaries have taken place across Chester and Ellesmere Port in the past fortnight, police say.

Officers from Cheshire Police are urging residents to remain vigilant following the incidents, which have seen offenders force entry into homes in a deliberate attempt to steal car keys - before making off with the car.

Over the past two weeks, there have been 10 separate reports of such burglaries in Chester and Ellesmere Port.

The suspects were successful on six occasions, stealing a number of cars including VW Golfs, BMWs and Audis.

In the Ellesmere Port area alone over the weekend, key and car crimes were reported in Manor Park Drive, Wetherby Way and Starbeck Drive. A green and black Kawasaki motorbike - which was a disabled young man's present from his dad following the loss of his mum - was also stolen from a property in the town some time between April 12-13.

Investigations in relation to all of the incidents are ongoing and officers are following a number of lines of enquiry.

Detective Sergeant Andy Smith of Cheshire Police said: “While this investigation continues I would like to remind residents in the local area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

“It’s also important that residents keep their homes secure and make sure that all car keys are always store out of sight – helping to reduce their chances of becoming a victim.

“This is especially pertinent over the next week, when we are expecting to see a heatwave across the area, which may result in residents leaving windows and doors open to keep their homes cool.”

There are a number of simple steps that residents can take to keep their homes secure and reduce their chances of becoming a victim, including:

• Ensure all windows are closed and doors are locked, even when you are at home or in the garden.

• Use the security measures on modern windows, which allow them to let some air in but still be locked.

• Keep all valuables out of the line of sight of prying eyes.

• Never put car keys or purses on window sills or in view of a window or door.

• Always avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your house.

• Use security devices, such as steering locks, to keep vehicles secure.

Anyone with information about burglaries should call Cheshire Police on 101.