POLICE have urged residents to take care of their keys following a spate of letterbox burglaries in the Chester-le-Street area.
Det Sgt Max Newby said that there had been an increasing number of thefts of luxury cars and burglaries in recent months.
He said: "There appear to be two or three gangs operating in the area.
"They use either fishing rods, poles tied together or car aerials to reach through letter boxes to pick up keys left in view."
On Tuesday night thieves tried to steal a 4x4 vehicle in Great Lumley, but were prevented as it was blocked in.
The thieves then went to a nearby house where they stole keys through the letter box and made off with a Ford.
DS Newby said: "We would urge people to keep their keys well out of view, preferably in a drawer.
"And if they have additional means to secure their cars then they should use them.
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