THIEVES broke into two homes in Benfleet stole car keys, but did not take the cars.

Crooks forced open the front door of the house in Woodside Avenue and stole jewellery, a watch and cash, totalling £4,800.

They also grabbed the keys to a Range Rover, which was parked on the drive, but did not take the car.

When officers began investigating they discovered a second set of car keys next to the Range Rover, which related to another burglary the same night.

Earlier that evening thieves had forced open the front door of a house in Oak Walk and stole a watch and a bracelet worth £70.

They also took the keys to a Jaguar parked on the driveway, but did not take the car.

It was this set of keys which was found at the second address.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Jim Sanford said: "It could be that thieves were disturbed and something has prevented them from taking the cars.

"A lot of people do still keep their keys downstairs, sometimes in sight of the letterbox, which makes it so much easier for thieves."

Det Sgt Sanford is keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious at either address on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Call him on 0300 3334444 or 0800 555 111.