A POLICE probe has been launched after burglars have broken into another key safe in Southampton.

A car and purse have been stolen after a key safe was broken into at a property in Dean Road in Bitterne over night on December 20.

According to Hampshire police the homeowners grey Mercedes was taken and her purse has been recovered after it was found by a member of the public.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "It is believed the suspect (s) have gained access to the house in Dean Road by taking the key safe off the exterior wall.

"Once inside, they have stolen the householder's handbag containing her car keys."

The news comes after burglars have targeted 33 homes in Southampton.

Between September 25 and December 9 this year key safes were tampered with and a number of keys, cars, wallets and electricals were stolen from properties across the city.

Now residents are being urged to be extra vigilant and make sure their homes are secure.

The force said on each occasion, a key safe was damaged or pulled off the wall and some incidents resulted in entry being gained and items being stolen.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "If you have a key safe, consider relocating the key safe to somewhere less obvious and contact the company that makes your key safe and ask how it can be made more secure.

"We understand that key safes are vital for some people in the community, however some of us might have them as a helpful back-up system for when we or members of our family lose keys. Consider taking the key out when you know you won’t need it, like at night.

"To protect your home further against burglary, we would always recommend installing security lights, alarms and CCTV.

"For more advice on how to secure your home, please visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/ .

"If you have any information about this crime, please call 101, quoting reference 167 of December 21.

"If you see someone acting suspiciously, ring 999."

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, said: “These burglary figures are shocking. The sort of people who carry it out have no regard for the trauma they put their victims through.”