Crooks are going fishing to steal cars

Thieves use rods to grab keys

Crafty crooks are using fishing rods to nab car keys from inside Renfrewshire homes.

Homeowners are being urged to keep their house and car keys secure following a spate of breakins over recent weeks.

Officers investigating a number of car thefts say families need to do more to protect their property.

Last Friday, three cars – including two high-end Mercedes motors – were swiped from outside a luxury villa in the Mar Hall estate in Bishopton.

Two of the vehicles were later recovered, along with a Gucci watch.

It is believed the criminals used a rod to lift the keys from within the home in the early hours of the morning before fleeing from cops.

On Tuesday, a home in Main Road in Elderslie was broken into in broad daylight, and keys from a Volvo motor were lifted.

Fortunately the car was not in the drive at the time.

The thefts have prompted Police Scotland to issue a warning to homeowners to be extra vigilant in protecting their property from sneak thieves.

Inspector Cassie Glass, who is based in Johnstone, has warned car owners to keep their keys well out of sight of opportunist thieves.

She said: “In recent weeks we have dealt with a spate of housebreakings where car keys have been taken and suspects have made off with vehicles.

“Criminals will target homes where keys are visible within a property.

“I urge residents to make sure their car and house keys are well out of sight.

“It is important that they are kept away from tables beside front doors.

“We have seen cases where criminals will use fishing rods to actually get keys from inside a property and get access to vehicles.

“Keep your property safe to prevent opportunistic thieves targeting your home.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously outside a property, it is important that you call 999 right away.”

Criminals will target homes where keys are visible within a property Inspector Cassie Glass