WESTPORT — A home and several vehicles left unlocked proved to be a key factor in a local crime spree early Friday, police said.

Police were alerted that an unlocked Compo Beach home was entered by “one or more individuals” shortly after 6 a.m. Friday, according to the report.

A purse and the key fobs for two vehicles were taken by the intruders, police said, and the keys were used to steal two cars from the property.

As officers dispatched to the scene searched for suspects, they found two other unoccupied vehicles nearby — a Jeep stolen from a home in the northern section of town and a Toyota 4Runner swiped in another community.

Neither vehicle, however, was one of those reported stolen a short time before from the Compo Beach home.

Since it appeared both vehicles had recently been driven, officers began searching for suspects who may still have been nearby. A police K-9 was deployed to assist with the search.

However, no suspects were found during the operation.

Following up later with the Jeep owner, officers were told that, in addition to the Jeep, a Toyota Highlander was also taken from his driveway. Both vehicles were unlocked with the keys inside, police were told.

Complaints also were received Friday from other residents who reported their unlocked vehicles had been entered.

The home burglary and four local vehicle thefts are under active investigation, police said.

In a statement, the Police Department underscored previous warnings that, “All residents must make it a point to keep their homes and cars locked at all times.  That will go a long way toward preventing these types of crimes from occurring.”