York police are urging residents to keep an eye on neighbouring properties after a number of recent burglaries.
Officers are investigating four break-ins, two of which were at houses that are currently up for sale.
Three of the burglaries occurred in close proximity to each other in the Huntington Road and Monkton Road area of the city between Friday 4 October and Monday 7 October 2013.
Several items of jewellery and a DVD player were taken after thieves forced open a rear window of a property on Crossway sometime between Saturday 5 October and Monday 7 October 2013.
Another property was broken into through a rear patio door on nearby Stephenson Close at some point between Friday 4 October and Sunday 6 October 2013. On this occasion the intruders left empty-handed.
Last night (7 October 2013) a rear window at a property on Sefton Avenue was smashed and thieves took two laptops, a hard drive, and an Acer notebook.
The fourth burglary occurred on Farrar Street, in the Lawrence Street area of the city, overnight between Sunday 6 October and Monday 7 October 2013. Thieves entered the property – possibly through an insecure front door – and stole a wallet and a laptop.
The police are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their community.
Inspector Jo Brooksbank, of York police, said: “It is important that people are alert and aware of what is going on in their street.
“As well as keeping an eye on your own home, look out for your neighbours’ properties as well, and contact the police if you see anyone who is acting suspiciously.
“In particular look out for people on cycles or any vehicles which you don’t recognise.”
Inspector Brooksbank also urged people to ensure that their bicycles are well secured, as they are a popular target for thieves.
She added: “Don’t make life easy thieves, they are opportunistic and if they see an easy target they won’t hesitate.
“Keep your cycles out of sight in your shed, your garage or in your house. If you must keep your bike outside, try and keep it round the back and make sure it is well secured to something heavy with a strong, good quality lock.”
For more advice about securing your home and property from thieves, visit the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk/homesecurity
If you would like to report a burglary or any suspicious behaviour in your area, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 1 – and pass information to the Force Control Room.
If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.