WOULD-BE thieves used a fishing rod to try to steal car keys from a Warwickshire home.

The attempted theft happened just before 4am yesterday when a resident of Tamora Close in Heathcote, Warwick, saw two men trying to reach through his letter box to take his keys.

The two men, who are described as white, slim, and around 6ft, ran away towards Capulet Drive. One was wearing a baseball cap.

After they left, the householder discovered a long fishing rod at the bottom of the stairs.

Detective Sergeant Martyn Stephens urged other householders to take care of their keys.

He said: "Even though a house is occupied, this may not deter the opportunist thief from stealing items.

"Leaving keys and other possessions in sight and within easy reach from outside, is an advert to thieves.

"Also, always lock your doors and windows during the day. It only takes a few seconds to walk through an unlocked door and steal. Remove that temptation."

Police advise people to make a few simple checks:

* Am I leaving a thief the key to my house?

* Have I left a spare key concealed near to the front door?

* Are the house and car keys well away from the letter box and out of sight?

Officers also warn that it is not advisable to label house keys in case they get lost or fall into the wrong hands.

Anyone who saw where the offenders went after they left Tamora Close, Warwick, is asked to call the crime desk on 01926 415 000.