A former policeman from Orpington is warning residents after his car was stolen – then his son’s was taken just weeks later.

Paul Baker, 66, was a police officer for more than 20 years and served on the burglary squad covering Lewisham before retiring in 1998.

He woke up in his home along Nicholson Drive last month and realised he had been burgled overnight.

Thieves had taken his brand new blue Honda CRV, costing around £30,000, along with his wife’s car keys, their house keys and his wallet.

The father of two said: “They used a slim jim to break in and used my credit card about 7.45am.

“We got a phone call about 8am asking if we wanted some drugs, we think it was them checking if anyone was in to come back for my wife’s car.

“We had to get the locks changed for her car and the house; we keep the keys upstairs now.”

MORE TOP STORIES The former Royal Marine Commando's car was recovered nearby and returned to him, but then burglars struck his son’s house last Tuesday (August 25).

His 34-year-old son, who lives off Crofton Lane, returned home to find the double glazing in his back door smashed and his brand new red Volkswagen Golf R gone.

It has not yet been found.

Mr Baker said: “They tried to get in the front door but couldn’t so they smashed a large French window at the back, they made a right mess, it must have been about four square metres.

“They had two laptops inside but they just took the car. It’s top of the range; he only had it two months. They wanted that car as it has a six month waiting list.”

He claims after speaking to residents there has been a ‘spate’ of car thefts.

He said: “There were three last week, everyone I’ve spoken to seems to know someone who’s had a car stolen, there’s a spate of them.

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Paul Baker and his car which was returned

“Every car is worth about £30,000, it’s rife. I’ve heard of nine cases.

“Police should put something out there alerting people considering how many have happened, why haven’t they?”

He advised residents to double lock their doors, keeping cars keys and house keys out of sight, to get security lighting, an approved steering cover and get a tracker fitted.

A spokesman for the Met Police confirmed they were investigating.