Car owners have been told to keep their keys in the microwave after a spate of break ins last week.

Around 14 cars are thought to have been broken into in Holborough Lakes in the early hours last Wednesday.

Collette Preston-Reeves of Amisse Drive had GHD straighteners, a hair dryer and curling tongs stolen from her boot, months after a similar break in last June.

Police are urging residents to keep their car keys in the microwave after dozens of break-ins in Snodland

She said: "It scared the living hell out of her, she was still getting over it happening last time.

"What's next, are the houses going to be broken into as well?

"I love Holborough Lakes, but it would be good to have some extra cameras or if the police could patrol it more.

"Berkeley Group put security patrols up where the half built houses are to make sure no one breaks in, why can't there be security for the residents already here?"

She said: "I had a keyless fob to my car but I had it deactivated after the break-in in June.

"I walked outside on Wednesday morning, three of the doors were open and the boot, I'd definitely locked it the night before.

"I've got three children, my eldest is 11 and saw the car.

Other residents on Primrose Close and Manley Boulevard were also targeted.

There has been no sign of forced entry, sparking fears the thief has a wireless device to unlock certain cars.

Residents say they've been told to keep key fobs in the microwave, as it prevents a signal reaching cars which thieves can exploit to gain access.

Gary Smitherman's car was also broken into.

He said: "We've started putting our keys in a bowl in the microwave, but we shouldn't have to.

"I had £250 Ray-Bans in the car, he's left them alone and stolen some babywipes, we think he's just a chancer trying to sell on things like Sat Navs and phones."

Unlocked cars were also targeted during a spate of break-ins in nearby Snodland last month.

Police have arrested a man in connection with last week's incident.