POLICE in a County Durham town are handing out free key hooks designed to foil letterbox burglars.

The hooks, which should be installed out of sight of the main door, follow a spate of so-called hook and cane thefts of housekeys.

Chester-le-Street Community Inspector Paul Anderson said: "Over the past year there has been a spate of burglaries where thieves get through open a letterbox and use a rod or cane to hook up the keys left lying around on tables or sideboards.

"They then gain entry to properties or steal cars parked outside.

"Our crime prevention team has been handing out the hooks in areas known to be trouble-spots."

Insp Anderson added: "We are advising that keys are kept out of sight in the interest of security.

"The fire authorities encourage people to leave their keys close to the front door as part of a fire escape route."

The key safe is a hook with a clip, which allows keys to hang safely and securely in a visible place, without the risk of being hooked off and stolen.

A limited number are available from the front counter of Chester-le-Street police station.