Officers investigating spate of car key burglaries

We’re investigating a spate of recent car key burglaries across north Staffordshire and we’re advising residents to remain vigilant over the festive period.

Most recently, we were called to a home on Corneville Road in Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, following an overnight burglary between Friday (19 December) and Saturday (20 December). Suspects had broken into the home, took the keys to a Ford Focus along with a games console and Christmas presents before getting into the car and leaving.

Officers have attended the address and are actively carrying out enquiries to investigate.

Another overnight burglary happened on Stallington Road, Blythe Bridge, between 11.45pm on Thursday (18 December) and 8.10am the next morning (Friday 19 December). The suspects took the keys to a Seat Leon, a wallet and other items before leaving in the stolen car.

A third burglary was reported on Thursday (18 December) at a home off Dryden Way, Cheadle. An Audi A3 had been stolen from the driveway at 3.50am by unknown suspects after they had taken the keys from inside the house.

Inspector Karen Cooke, from the Moorlands local policing team, said: “We’re actively investigating this spate in car key burglaries and working proactively to protect the belongings of our communities.

“Unfortunately, this time of year is typically when we see more opportunists out looking for high-value goods while people may be out spending time with family and friends at Christmas and New Year.

“We’re actively patrolling our neighbourhoods as part of our local policing strategy as we continue to work proactively to tackle burglary across Staffordshire.”

There are a number of ways you can limit the chances of thieves targeting your vehicle or address, including:

• Keeping valuables out of sight and reach of windows and entrances, especially Christmas presents
• Storing vehicle keys in locked drawers or secure places, away from reach of doors and windows
• Making sure your vehicle is locked at all times and left in view of CCTV where possible
• Installing CCTV or doorbell cameras around your home

For more tips on how to protect your vehicle and home, visit our website here: Crime prevention advice | Staffordshire Police