TWO Jaguar cars worth nearly £70,000 were stolen from the Brentwood area to order, police have said.

Both cars were taken after burglars broke in into their owners’ homes and found the ignition keys.

The first incident was at North Drive, Hutton between 1pm and 4pm on Thursday, July 10, when a grey Jaguar XJ - with a 60 number plate and valued at more than £40,000 - was taken. The vehicle had chrome wing mirrors, a glass roof and black tinted rear windows.

Intruders broke into the property by forcing a rear window, causing about £1,500 damage. They also took a Garmin sat-nav and a Samsung camera.

The second incident happened on the High Street, Ingatestone, between 9.30am and 6pm on Monday, July 14 when a green Jaguar XF, valued at £27,000, was taken. The thieves broke in through a rear window, causing more than £700 damage.

Investigating officer Pc Adam McRobbie said: "It is unusual for any Jaguars to be stolen in this way but to have two go in less than a week and in very similar circumstances suggests that there is a strong possibility that they were stolen to order.

"We would like to hear from anyone who might have seen these crimes in progress or from anyone who might have information about the movements or whereabouts of the two cars.

"We would also advise other Jaguar owners to be vigilant about vehicle and home security and use additional steering locks in their cars and to hide away the car keys when leaving their homes unattended.”

Anyone with information should contact Pc McRobbie at Brentwood CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.