Key safe warning after string of thefts

Key safes have been ripped off the walls outside homes in Romsey

Police have issued a warning after a string of key safes were targeted by burglars.

Cars, tools and clothes were among the belongings taken during six incidents in Romsey, Hampshire, over the past five weeks.

The security boxes ripped from the walls resulted in damage to some of the properties.

Police have urged residents with key safes outside their homes to install security lights, alarms and CCTV.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: "Key safes are generally a reassurance and not a concern.

"However, we are concerned that key safes fixed on walls next to front doors are more likely to be targeted than those fixed around the back of a house or in a more obscure location.

"To protect your home and belongings, consider relocating the key safe to somewhere less obvious and contact the company that makes your key safe and ask how it can be made more secure."