A spike in the number of burglars pinching car keys from people’s homes has been recorded.

Police have warned against residents leaving keys near their front doors, as burglars can easily steal them by smashing windows and reaching in.

Vehicles were stolen in Lanercost Road, Tulse Hill, and Kirkstall Road, Streatham Hill last weekend after burglaries.

Lambeth police chief inspector Patrick Beynon, responsible for the borough’s safer neighbourhood teams, said: “We have seen a rise in this recently and we want to get the message across for people to be careful where they leave their car keys.”