A CAR was taken from a Blakedown driveway after two homes in the village were entered.

At both addresses thieves got in through doors that were not locked while people were at home. Police are linking yesterday’s incidents and urging residents to ensure their windows and doors are secure, even when they are in.

One of the burglaries took place in Belbroughton Road between 1pm and 8.15pm, when thieves got in through the front door and took four sets of keys from the hallway. A silver VW Jetta Sport - registration OV59 YAD - worth £24,000 was stolen from the driveway.

Another home nearby in Mill Close was entered via a rear door between 6.40pm and 8.30pm. It is believed a car on the driveway was the target but the thieves could not find the keys. They stole a man’s black jacket from the kitchen, however, with a wallet containing around £180 plus bank cards and an iPhone 4, along with the charger.

Det Insp John Cashion, who leads the North Worcestershire burglary team, said: "We believe these offences are connected and both happened while householders were in. The thieves would have known that, as there were cars on the drive and lights on.

“They were quickly in and out through unsecured doors and no attempt was made to search other rooms in the houses."

He appealed for anyone who noticed someone hanging around in Blakedown yesterday or saw any unusual activity near the burgled addresses to contact officers at Kidderminster CID.

Anyone with information about the burglaries at Blakedown should ring 101, quoting the incident reference 709-S-071112 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.