Hanoi burglaries: Increase in thieves stealing cars in South Ribble, Chorley and Leyland prompts warning from Lancashire Police

High-value and performance cars have recently been targeted by thieves in South Ribble, Leyland and Chorley, police said.

The “cocky and brazen” thieves, who “often travel across county borders”, break into homes before stealing car keys – a crime known as a Hanoi burglary.

Officers said a number of thefts and attempted thefts had been reported by residents and enquiries were ongoing to bring the offenders to justice.

“Our message would be to stay vigilant,” a spokesman for Lancashire Police said.

“Follow some simple steps and it can make a real difference to stopping you becoming the victim of crime.

“If we make it hard work for them, they will go elsewhere.”

What steps can you take to keep your car safe from thieves?

- Keep the keys as far away from the car as possible and preferably in a faraday bag or tin foil to stop thieves using a relay device.

- Make sure that any entry to your house is properly locked and secured – this might help to stop criminals at the first hurdle.

- Keep your keys in a secure place, such as a locked drawer, so if they do unfortunately get into the house they can not find them.

- If you have multiple vehicles, block them in with each other.

If you notice any suspicious behaviour where you live, call police on 101 or report it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.

Always call 999 in an emergency.