HOUSEHOLDERS in the Newton Aycliffe area are being warned to keep their car keys out of sight after thieves struck for the second time in two weeks.

A Ford Street Ka convertible was taken from a driveway in the town's Oaklea Mews between 10pm on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday.

Police believe the thief had stolen the car's keys after spotting them through the letterbox and feeding something through to get hold of them.

A similar method was used last week to steal an Audi from the same street.

PC Sajid Hussain said: "I would urge people to ensure all their keys, whether they are for a vehicle or locks on their property, are out of reach or, better still, out of sight.

"The victim in this case went to bed and heard nothing untoward. The first she knew of the car's disappearance was Wednesday morning."

The silver Ford Ka bearing the registration NU53 RKA is worth about £13,000.

Inside it was a range of publicity material for the Dot mobile phone company including black umbrellas bearing a white dot.

PC Hussain appealed for anyone with information about the car theft to contact Newton Aycliffe police on 0845 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.