Three cars have been reported stolen following car key burglaries in Romney Marsh and Ashford.

Although police are not linking the two incidents, they are urging people to protect themselves against criminals by not leaving car keys on view.

The first burglary happened overnight on Sunday, February 3 at a house in the Swamp Road area of Old Romney.

Intruders broke into the house and stole a wallet and car keys to a blue Audi Q7 before taking the car itself.

The second incident happened yesterday in the early evening when burglars broke into a house in the Meadow Road area of Ashford and stole the car keys to a white Vauxhall Corsa and a blue Fiat Abarth before taking both cars.

The Corsa was later recovered by officers in a car park near Falcon Way, Ashford.

Detective Constable Rob Goodban said: "We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed either burglary, has seen the cars since or has information that could help our enquiries.

"We are also urging people to protect themselves against car key burglars by making sure keys, cash and expensive items are not visible from the outside their homes."

They suggest double-locking uPVC doors and windows, using timer switches on lights and radios to make it look as though someone is home and keeping garden gates locked and boundaries secure to protect against opportunist thieves.

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 01843 222289 quoting reference number 46/23136/19 for the Old Romney burglary or 46/23882/19 for the Ashford burglary.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.