Police are warning residents in Midtown after a rise in vehicle thefts that begin with a home invasion.

Toronto police told 680News the thieves break into homes, take vehicle keys, and then steal the vehicle.

The area boundaries included in the warning are the Don River on the east, Bloor Street on the south, Bathurst Street on the west, and Lawrence Avenue on the north.

Constable Wendy Drummond says people may be witness to the crime without even realizing it.

“People see them, they’re not suspecting that they’re stealing a vehicle because they have the keys to the vehicle,” she explained.

Drummond said it also makes the next step simpler for the thieves.

“It makes it much easier for them to be able to offload and either sell or ship away this vehicle because they now have the keys for it.”

Drummond said a good tip to avoiding this type of theft is to not leave keys or wallets in an area close the front door.

Anyone that would like further information, please contact 53 Division Crime Prevention, 416-808-5337 or 416-808-5308. If you have information about a break and enter or vehicle theft call 53 Division at 416-808-5300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com.