A spate of car thefts in Widnes recently has prompted residents to be more careful about leaving valuables and display and leaving their car in such an attitude as to almost invite thieves in.

A number of cars were stolen after the owner carelessly left their keys in the ignition. Other drivers have been known to leave their car unlocked while it was parked.

Behaviour such as this just encourages thieves, even in areas which people belive to be safe, thefts can happen.

And if your car is stolen or broken into after it was left unlocked or with the keys in the ignition, your cannot claim on your car insurance as your insurer will deem that you have not taken due care and attention to keep your vehicle safe.

Phil Buckley, Halton crime reduction advisor, said of the recent thefts: “In the first three cases there was no sign of forced entry so the cars were probably left unsecured.

“I would beg and advise drivers to lock their cars and to not leave valuables on display or they risk becoming victims of crime.”

Mr Buckley said there appeared to be a trend of owners recklessly leaving their keys in the vehicle while it was unoccupied.

He said: “Some vehicles are still being left with keys inside them and if they’re stolen it will invalidate their insurance because companies are clamping down hard on this sort of thing.”

Indeed, cars stolen with the keys in the ignition will not be covered by insurance. Considering that your car is one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your life after your home, having it stolen and the insurance invalidated is not a risk most car owners would be willing to take.