THIEVES armed with a 'hook and cane' are reportedly targeting homes across Warrington to steal high-end cars.
Police have confirmed that there has been an 'increasing and worrying pattern of cars being stolen' using this method.
Thieves use the contraption to steal keys through letter boxes from the homes of unsuspecting residents.
A police spokesman said: "As cars have become harder to steal, the offenders have had to become more resourceful in order to steal a car.
"Thus, the emergence of the 'hook and cane'.
"This is a hook on a long stick designed to lift car keys and eliminating all the troubles of door forcing or window smashing.
"The best way to avoid becoming a victim of this offence is to keep the keys well away from the door – even having them in sight is asking for trouble."
Burglar alarms and motion-detecting security lights are also advised.
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