FIFTEEN vehicles have been stolen from Southampton homes in the past four weeks, police reveal.

Now, police chiefs have issued an alert to Hampshire homeowners on how to keep their cars and properties safe.

Reports have shown that 15 vehicles have been stolen in incidents where offenders have entered people’s homes, sometimes through insecure doors or windows and stolen their car keys and then stolen their car.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: “We have issued advice to residents so they can protect themselves from this kind burglary, mainly ensuring doors and windows are locked and especially making sure keys are not kept near doors or accessible windows where they can be ‘fished’ from.”

In the time period, police were called at 1.21am to reports of a van on fire in a field behind Chamberlayne Leisure, which had previously been reported stolen from outside an address in Oxford Mews, Southampton, Weston, on February 13.

Police officials have now issued an alert reminding Southampton residents on how to keep their homes secure.

They suggest to close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes and double lock any doors when possible.

Ensure that any valuables are out of sight and keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap.

Hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening.

Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallway and in the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on.

Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall.