BURGLARS targeted a house in Silkstone Common to drive off in two expensive cars parked outside and also snatched jewellery and cash as the occupants slept inside.

The incident is the latest in a sharp rise in burglaries across the Penistone district in the last few months, with many blamed on offenders who’s primary interest is getting the keys to desirable cars left parked outside.

Offenders struck at the house last Thursday night, apparently attracted by two expensive cars outside, which were both stolen, though both were located again within hours.

The vehicles had both been fitted with tracking devices - electronic beacons which allow police to trace the vehicle's location. However, the criminals had been alert enough to search for those and were able to remove one, though the other had remained undiscovered.

One car was found dumped on a lane in Thurgoland while the other was found at Wilson Avenue in Stocksbridge. During the break-in, other items of sentimental value, including several high value rings, were taken along with thousands of pounds in cash and other electrical items.

A disturbing element of the raid was that the burglars, who broke into a safe to find some of the items, ransacked the house while the occupants slept.

The incident reflects a recent increase in burglaries across the district this year.