'Letterbox burglaries' increasing, Richmond police warn (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

'Letterbox burglaries' increasing, Richmond police warn

6:50am Friday 13th November 2009

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It might look harmless enough, but this crudely taped rod could hold the key to a spate of top-of-the-range car thefts.

Police believe thieves are using the stick-like implement to hook keys left too close to doors or windows.

Officers say so-called “letterbox burglaries” are becoming more common in the area – and warned homeowners to keep keys out of reach. But police also discovered a more sinister side to what could be put down to teenage joyriders or petty thieves.

Two high-value cars pinched from Richmond and Twickenham later turned up in containers at Felixstowe Docks in Suffolk – bound for Africa.

The Land Rover Discovery and BMW were among a number of stolen cars from London, and elsewhere, seized at the docks after containers were searched as part of Operation Lever, a car crime crackdown by Suffolk Police.

Police believe the two Richmond cars were stolen in letterbox burglaries but said inquiries were still going on. The cars are now undergoing forensic tests.

Acting Detective Inspector Malcolm Hudson said it was likely Richmond had been targeted because of the area’s affluent demographic. He said police could not yet rule out a link to organised crime. Police warned homeowners to take care with keys.

A spokesman said: “This type of crime can be avoided by keeping your keys away from the front door. Sometimes a burglar will use the keys to open your door but more often they will take keys and drive off with your car.

“We are appealing to all homeowners to consider tighter security measures for your keys – including spare sets – and make sure you properly lock your front door.

“Residents should also consider changing their habit of leaving leaving keys in the hallway by having a pot for keys in your kitchen cupboard or even taking keys into your bedroom at night to ensure you don’t fall victim to a letterbox burglary.”

Acting D Insp Hudson urged residents to hand in the rod-like implements if found in gardens or in the street so they could undergo forensic tests and so police are aware if certain areas are being targeted.

• Have you been targeted by thieves? Let us know by email (gholt@london.newsquest.co.uk), phone the newsdesk on 020 8744 4271 or leave a comment below.

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