SIX people have been charged following recent car key burglaries and break-ins across St Helens and other areas of Merseyside.

This week police have arrested and charged six people in connection with offences which have taken place over July and August.

Robert Clancey, 40, from North Road, St Helens was charged with aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle (driving), receiving stolen goods, and dangerous driving in connection with a burglary which took place at Brooklands Road on Saturday, August 20, in which items including keys for a Jaguar S type were stolen.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old Marie Higham, of Sherdley Road, St Helens was charged with aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle (being carried on) in relation to the same offence.

Both of them will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, September 20.

Leslie Andrews, 30, from Hayes Avenue, Prescot and Lloyd Andrews, 22, from Ennerdale Avenue, St Helens were charged with two burglary dwelling offences on Thursday, July 28 which both occurred in Primrose Close, Southport. During the first of them car keys and jewellery were stolen. Both men were remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, September 13.

A 17-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, both from St Helens, have also been charged with two offences of burglary dwelling, including one attempt.

The first took place in Ellamsbridge Road, St Helens on Tuesday, July 26 where a search of the house was made and a car key was stolen. The second offence took place at Mercer Street in Newton-le-Willows on Sunday, August 14 where attempts were made to gain access to a property but no items were stolen. Both boys will appear at St Helens Youth Bail Court on Wednesday, September 14.

Also, a 26-year-old man from Whiston was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the Southport offences and was released pending a disposal decision.

Detective Inspector Cath Haggerty, from St Helens CID, said: "We will continue to act on information from the community to identify burglary offenders. In some cases, offenders can target properties where car keys are on view and in some cases, where the properties have not been properly locked up. Local residents should also report any concerns about suspicious people and vehicles you see on the street, which may be an early indication of offenders checking out potential targets.

“As always, I would urge local residents to check their front doors, windows and garage doors to prevent becoming easy targets, and ensure your car keys are safely out of sight. Once you get into the habit of doing a quick check it doesn’t take much time at all and can save you a lot of distress in the long run."

Anyone with information in relation to burglary offences in general is asked to contact St Helens CID on 0151 777 6802, the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 222.