A SECURITY expert has told how 99 per cent of burglars break into homes to steal this one item.
Locksmith Elizabeth Johns says the number one thing criminals are on the lookout for in British households is car keys.
Most burglars break into homes to find car keys, experts say
She says almost all thieves are on the hunt for keys – and it’s easy to fall victim.
Ms Johns told The Sun: “They’re not burgling houses for valuables – it is more for the car keys to then get the car.
“That’s generally the most high-value item in homes and it’s the one they can get away quickest with.”
In order to avoid losing your valuables, Elizabeth recommended keeping them out of sight.
She explained: “Most burglaries are not premeditated attacks. They are spur of the moment based on the person’s home security.
“They try doors to see if they’re open. Not just in the night time – in the day also.
“Definitely with car keys the number one rule is never to leave them in line of sight.
“They will be looking through windows and if they are in the line of sight it gives them an advantage before they even enter the house.
“So when they do enter they know exactly where to go and can be in and out in a flash.
“During the days make sure you’re locking your doors. These burglaries and attacks aren’t just happening at night.
“If they do see car keys they will just try the door. They can be in and out in seconds and your car will be gone before you even notice.”
It comes after The Sun exposed where in Britain people are most likely to be the victim of thievery.
Greater Manchester is the current “burglary capital of England” where the highest level of crimes per 1,000 population was reported.
They recorded the most raids on homes and businesses between January and December last year.
The numbers are calculated to show the level of crime proportionate to the number of people who live there.
Manchester saw a whopping 8.2 burglaries occur per 1,000 people according to the latest ONS figures.