BURGLARS stole a dozen vehicles in just a few weeks by sneaking into homes and taking car keys.

Police have warned residents to keep their house doors locked and car keys safely put away after the spate of thefts in Corringham, South Ockendon, Tilbury and Grays.

In some cases, burglars pushed objects through the letterbox to retrieve keys left on side tables or windowsills near front doors, to open the house door or drive off with the car.

One theft took place in Usk Road, South Ockendon, on Sunday November 7, when burglars took an iPod and the keys to a VW Golf, then drove off with the car.

Another took place near Birch Close, South Ockendon, between Sunday October 31 and Monday, November 1, when thieves took the keys to a £4,000 Nissan Narvara.

Det Sgt Tony Kantaris, from Thurrock CID, said: “Imagine the upset when you get up in the morning to find someone has been in, taken your valuables and used the keys to steal your car and sometimes have left your front door open.

“There is all the aggravation that follows – calling police, assessing exactly what has been taken, contacting insurers, advising the bank and any finance company.

“You’ll probably also have to wait days or months to get a replacement vehicle.”

Det Sgt Kantaris said people with uPVC doors should lock the doors from the inside with a key, putting the key in a safe place known by everyone in the house in case a fire breaks out.

Residents should also make sure windows are locked, lights are put on timers to make burglars think someone is in as dark falls, and to mark household equipment with an ultraviolet security pen.

Anyone with information about the burglaries has been asked to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.