Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a report of a car key burglary in Ashford.

Burglars broke into the house in Bowens Field between 11.30pm on Thursday October 4 and 8.37am on Friday October 5.

A set of keys for a grey BMW X5 worth £10,000 were taken before the car itself was stolen.

The BMW was later recovered in Colliers Wood, south west London, on Monday October 8.

Detective Constable Jo Heard is appealing for anyone who saw the incident to contact Kent Police, and urged residents to protect themselves against opportunist thieves by storing keys safely.

"The keys had been left on the kitchen windowsill and nothing else was taken during the burglary, which suggests the offender was targeting the car," he said.

"We would always advise people to make sure cash, keys and expensive items are not visible from the outside of your home.

"Double-lock uPVC doors and windows, use timer switches on lights and radios to make it look like someone is home and keep garden gates locked and garden boundaries secure."

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference number ZY/59809/18.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.