THIEVES, ever adaptable, have struck on a couple of new easy ways to make money.

One is the stripping of roofs, walls and patios of Yorkshire stone - presumably to sell on to unscrupulous builders who don't bother asking questions. The other is the breaking into homes to snatch car keys.

Sophisticated car alarms and immobilisers have meant fewer new cars at least are being broken into - but thieves have learnt to adapt. Now, they break into houses and simply pick up the keys - usually left helpfully on the kitchen table or by the back door.

Very probably, they have spotted a car they like while driving round and have followed it back to the house.

Armed with the keys, they either drive off with the car then, or return a short while later.

With the warm weather now with us, people are leaving doors and windows open. They should be locked at all times, but it is not enough just to lock. Keys are easily pulled through cat flaps and letterboxes with ingenious tools hastily made out of any variety of bits and pieces left in the garden.

Keys should be hidden out of sight and out of reach and car keys taken upstairs - it may sound extreme, but it's a small price to pay to avoid the hassle of having a car stolen.

And if we see workmen lifting a patio or dismantling a wall, just make a telephone call to the police - they may well be bona fide, but it won't hurt checking them out.

Police are asking people to wake up and be wary to the fact thieves do adapt and unless we keep in step, we'll easily fall victim.