Car Key Thefts In Portsmouth

There has been a number of incidents in Portsmouth where thieves are breaking into homes to get to car keys so they can then steal the vehicles parked outside.

Police say there's been three similar burglaries in the city and in all cases homes were broken into and car keys stolen from inside. The car keys were subsequently used to steal a car.

The first incident occurred sometime between 8pm on Thursday, October 6 and 1.30am on Friday, October 7 in Belmont Street. A Hyundai Matrix CDX, worth around £800, was stolen.

The second incident occurred sometime between 7 and 10.15pm on Friday, October 7 in Cotton Road. A Ford C-Max Titanium, worth around £15,000, was stolen.

The third incident occurred between 8.30 and 11.45pm on Friday, October 7 in Cottage Grove. A Renault Clio Freeway was stolen.

PC Kathryn Smithers of the Burglary Investigation Team at Fratton police station said:

"We would appeal to anyone with information relating to these three burglaries to come forward.

"Homeowners are advised to think carefully about where they store their car keys, don't leave them in a place which is easily accessible to burglars. It is also important to ensure your home is secure, double locking doors and windows in unoccupied rooms and when you leave the house."

Anyone with information should contact PC Smithers at Fratton police station on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Minicom users should contact 01962 875000.