Police in North Somerset are warning householders to be on the alert after four reports of burglars reaching through cat-flaps or open windows to take keys.

Police Community Support Officer Richard Stamp of the Nailsea Neighbourhood Team said: “During September there have been two burglaries in Wraxall and one burglary and an attempt in Nailsea.

“In all the cases the thieves have reached in through a cat-flap or open window to take keys from the back of the door.

“The key to deterring these burglars is to make sure your keys are kept out of sight and never left in the lock.”

All the burglaries took place between 11pm and 3am in the morning.

As well as taking any cash, handbags or wallets left on view, the thieves are using the keys to take cars from the owners’ drives.

Police have recovered two cars stolen from a home in Huntley Grove, Nailsea, but a Seat Leon and a BMW taken from The Elms, Wraxall and Porlock Gardens, Nailsea, remain outstanding.

As well as all your valuables inside the house, your car is also very valuable to you. One tip I have is to take your car keys with you when you go to bed. If you want to know any further tips, email me or post a comment on our Blog.