Essex Police have reported there is a currently a trend of house burglary where car keys are stolen from inside a property being offered for sale and then the car on the driveway is stolen to be used in other types of crime.
It appears that estate agents are taking photographs of properties for sale, where the householder's vehicle is clearly visible in the shot. In the more detailed photographs the index plate is readable. A criminal, through applying for house details of an advertised property, can gain access to the address and then have the opportunity to take the car keys, so that they can return later to steal the car and commit a crime.
Estate agents are warned to be aware of this possibility and consider getting the householder's vehicle moved before the publicity photograph is taken, or simply ensuring that the vehicle is excluded from the picture.
Owners of property for sale should also be on their guard whenever their home is viewed by any prospective purchaser and ensure that car keys (and other valuables) are put away.
Further information may be obtained from Essex Police Headquarters, PO Box 2, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6DA - telephone 01245 452564.
