CARS worth a total of more than £100,000 have been stolen during a recent spate of burglaries across Stockton.

Victims of the crimes, who had their homes broken into and personal property taken, then discovered the family car had also been stolen.

In most cases, the car keys had been left on display and would have easily been spotted through a window.

Since last October, there have been 27 reported burglaries in Stockton where the car was stolen. Most cars have since been found, but eight are still missing.

In an incident last Tuesday, an Eaglescliffe women awoke in the middle of the night to what she thought was the sound of intruders in her home.

When the noise stopped, she dismissed the matter and went back to sleep.

In the morning, she found her keys and car missing, with no sign of a break-in and the front door remained locked.

Detective Inspector Kerrin Smith, from Stockton CID, said: "Householders are making it far too easy for criminals. If an opportunity of an unlocked door or keys hanging on display is presented to them, they will take it.

"Burglary is one of the most distressing crimes, as victims often feel violated when strangers have searched through their belongings.

"By ensuring all the house doors are locked, even when there is someone in and putting keys in a secure place out of sight, you can drastically reduce the chance of becoming the next victim."