CITY residents are being urged to stay vigilant after a spate of burglaries in recent weeks.
Figures just released from April show there were 54 break-ins in the South Worcestershire area, including Worcester, compared to the monthly average of 42 last year, with many caused because of unsecured properties.
It comes despite West Mercia Police recording a reduction of 27 per cent in burglaries from April last year to March this year when 508 break-ins happened compared to 699 in the previous 12 months.
Det Ch Insp Stacey Williamson said police had stepped up their efforts in targeting criminals by adding specialist officers on patrol in unmarked cars in the affected communities.
“We want to give the clear message to criminals, ‘don’t bother coming to Worcestershire’ and we need the public to help us by securing their homes,” she said.
“Check before you leave the house that all doors and windows are closed and locked. If you are at home and the weather is hot or humid, don’t leave rooms with open doors or windows unattended.
“You don’t know who is wandering round trying door handles, an unlocked door is an open invitation for someone to sneak inside and steal your property.
“Whenever we get warm weather, the number of burglaries go up because thieves take advantage of easy pickings such as unlocked doors or an open window.”
