Thieves are believed to be targeting elderly residents who use key safes, following two attempted thefts.

Police are warning residents living in the St John’s Road area of Colchester after two key safes were tampered with.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Officers prefer people to leave a key with a trusted friend rather than have a key safe.

“However, if there is not practical then police recommend using the Supra C500 which is a ‘Secured by Design’ police-accredited product.”

Colchester’s Crime Reduction & Architectural Liaison Officer Stephen Armson-Smith added: "Residents should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when fitting them to the surface, they should never fit and place a key safe in full view of passing pedestrians; and, if in doubt on how to fix one, then use the manufacturer’s fitting service or a trader from Essex Trading Standards’ Buy with Confidence scheme.”

The two key safes in the area were tampered with on February 18 and again the following day.#

Essex Police released the information today.