VEHICLE tracking company Tracker is calling on fleets to ensure their drivers are 'key aware' after it found there has been a 50% increase in vehicles stolen using their owner's keys.

The company, which was named Best Telematics System at the 2003 Fleet News Awards, is planning, in association with the Home Office, to raise awareness of the issue after research has shown that 41% of vehicles fitted with the Tracker system have been stolen in this way.

Michelle McLaughlin, marketing manager at Tracker, said: 'Our statistics show a rise in key thefts which have led to a vehicle being stolen, so it is imperative that the 'key aware' message is communicated to all motorists.

'We hope it will become second nature to motorists to always think about the security of their keys when they leave their vehicles.'

A spokesman for the Home Office issued the following advice to drivers: 'When you leave your car, always remove the ignition key and lock all doors. Do this all the time, even when filling up with petrol or popping into the shop. On icy mornings, never leave your car unattended with the engine running to warm it up or defrost the windows.

'Always keep your keys in a safe place, which is out of sight and away from windows and doors when you are not using your car.'