DRIVERS have been urged to take extra care when locking up their cars and homes after 10 vehicles worth an estimated £152,000 were stolen over just two days.

Cars including a Range Rover Sport, a Mini, an Audi Q7, a BMW Z4 and a Jaguar XF Sport were stolen in North and South Lanarkshire between Wednesday night and yesterday morning.

Many of the thefts were the result of thieves breaking into houses through back doors and windows and taking keys.

The Range Rover was stolen from the car park of the Hilton Hotel in Strathclyde Business Park after thieves forced open a locker within the hotel and took the keys. Police said they are at the early stages of their inquiry but it is thought the thefts are linked.

Officers have urged people to take extra care not to leave their car keys on display, and have also appealed for any car buyers or dealerships who may have been offered any of the cars for sale to contact them.

Properties targeted have been in Dunellan Way and Dunellan Place in Moodiesburn, Lochearnhead Road in Stepps, Princess Gate in Bothwell, Oak Fern Drive in East Kilbride, Ettrick Street in Wishaw and Dunnock Place, Coatbridge.

Sergeant Ross Aitken said: "I would like to remind householders to be mindful as to where they keep both their house and car keys, particularly overnight.

"Please do not leave them near your front or back doors or windows where thieves can easily see them and reach them, please keep them hidden away - don't give thieves a helping hand to steal your hard-earned possessions.

"I'd like to remind householders to ensure they keep their home as secure as possible. If you have window locks, use them, particularly if you are leaving the property or retiring for the evening. The same goes for your car."