A new TV and cinema advertising campaign will alert people to the growing incidence of car-key theft.

The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, which will launch the ads in September, says house burglaries to snatch keys for cars with immobilisers are on the rise.

It notes vehicle keys are the only things stolen in up to a quarter of reported burglaries where a vehicle is also taken.

“Offenders are… becoming more brazen, prepared to enter even occupied premises to quickly grab keys left in easily accessible spots, often gaining access via unlocked doors or windows,” the council’s Theft Torque newsletter says.

The ads are produced by Melbourne production company NiceBike, which made the “I bought a Jeep” and “It’s not a car, it’s an Alfa Romeo” series.

The campaign uses humour to highlight the importance of key security.

It will feature famous heist scenes from the films Raiders of the Lost Ark, Mission Impossible and Entrapment, with thieves descending on a hapless homeowner’s lounge room.

The ads will be supported by a website and printed materials that provide practical advice on safeguarding homes and keys.