POLICE in the borough are urging homeowners to keep their car keys hidden as incidents of theft involving valuable cars parked outside homes has spiked.

Officers have issued a warning to Barnsley residents to avoid leaving car keys visible from the outside to prevent burglars targeting the home.

Burglars have been reportedly breaking into houses with highly valuable vehicles parked outside, searching downstairs for car keys and then using them to steal the vehicles outside.

Now, South Yorkshire Police have encouraged the owners of valuable cars to follow steps to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of the crime.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “If you have a garage, park your vehicle inside it when it’s not in use so that it is not visible from the road.

“If you park your car on a driveway, consider blocking any valuable and high-powered vehicles that are more desirable to thieves with other vehicles or equipment.

“Wheel clamps, steering wheel locks and RFID wallets can be purchased, putting a barrier in place for thieves who intend to steal the car.

“Finally, don’t store your keys where they can clearly be seen next to any door or window, keep them somewhere that you wouldn’t expect a thief to find them.”