Staffordshire Police have issued a stark warning to residents across the Midlands following a concerning spate of crimes targeting key safes. Officers are urging households to reconsider their security arrangements after thieves exploited these commonly used devices to gain unlawful entry and steal property.
Exploitation of a Common Security Feature
Key safes, often installed near doors for convenience, have become a focal point for criminal activity in recent weeks. Sergeant Will Evans of Staffordshire Police emphasised the vulnerability, stating: "We know that people often use key safes and they are required for a number of reasons. Thieves are clearly looking to exploit this and take advantage of the key safe's position close to access points."
The force has documented multiple incidents where night-time prowlers have specifically sought out these safes. In one alarming case, offenders managed to access a home and subsequently stole a Toyota Aygo after locating the vehicle keys within the compromised safe.
Specific Incidents Highlight the Risk
The police response was triggered by a series of reported crimes across Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas:
- On Friday, February 6, at 1am, police were called to Selwyn Street in Stoke-on-Trent after two men were seen tampering with a key safe before being disturbed.
- Later that same day, at 7.10am, officers were alerted to a grey Toyota Aygo being stolen from Lowell Drive in Weston Coyney. The theft occurred directly after a key safe was accessed.
- Approximately ten minutes later, a report came in that a key safe had been taken from a property on Alma Street in Fenton during the early hours.
- Another incident was reported at 8.30am from Baddeley Hall Road in Baddeley Green, where doorbell footage captured four men tampering with a key safe at 2.30am before fleeing with the unit.
Urgent Security Recommendations Issued
In light of these events, Staffordshire Police are advising all residents who use key safes to take immediate preventative action. The primary recommendations are to either remove the keys from the safes entirely where possible, or to relocate the units to a more discreet and less obvious location.
Sergeant Evans provided clear guidance: "That’s why we are advising people to either remove keys from the safes, or reposition the safes to a different area that only you or a limited number of people will know about, so that burglars don’t spot them." The advice specifically suggests moving safes away from obvious access points like front or back doors.
This warning serves as a critical reminder for homeowners and tenants to regularly assess their security measures. While key safes offer convenience for family members, carers, or tradespeople, their visibility can inadvertently provide an opportunity for determined criminals. The police urge the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around properties, particularly during nighttime hours.
