Kent Police are urging residents to store their keys safely after a spate of car thefts in Dartford.

One incident is reported to have taken place in Kirby Road between 10pm and 6am on Thursday, June 30 and another in Clarendon Gardens at around 2.45am on Wednesday, July 6.

A spokesperson from Kent Police said: "On both occasions it is believed that the front doors to the properties were forced open and car keys taken from inside before the cars were stolen."

The police has issued a list of top tips to help keep burglars at bay:

• Make sure car keys are not left visible from the outside of your home
• Double-lock uPVC doors and windows
• Keep keys, cash and expensive items out of view
• Use timer switches on lights and radios to make it look like someone is home
• Keep garden gates locked and garden boundaries secure
• Lock sheds and garages - bikes, tools and garden items can be stolen or used to break into homes

Inquiries into both incidents are ongoing.

Anyone with information about the above incidents can call 101 quoting reference XY/25990/16.