Criminals in downtown Kingston are using universal car keys to steal a number of Toyota Hiace and Townace vehicles.

This developing trend is of serious concern to the police and they are warning persons who park these types of vehicles in the downtown area to be extra careful.

According to the police, the criminals possess a key which allows them to have instant access these model vehicles, and have stolen at least four vehicles in the last three weeks.

"The criminals have a universal key for the Toyota Hiace and the Townace, they can just go to the vehicle and enter it pretty much like it is there own," said a police attached to the Kingston Central Police Division.

The police source told THE STAR that the most recent cases were about a week ago at the intersection of Water Lane and Orange Street. Another incident was reported to have taken place on West Street.

While the police are advising motorists to be careful when and where they park their vehicles, they say they have already saturated the downtown area with police in an effort to reduce criminal activities.