POLICE have seen a spike in burglaries in Worcester, some of which have involved burglars breaking into homes at night while people are asleep in bed and stealing their cars.

DI Stu Murphy of Priority CID in West Mercia said investigations were continuing as they try to find the offenders but in the meantime urged the public to close their doors and windows, particularly at night and when they leave the house.

Yesterday (Monday) in south Worcestershire there were seven burglaries. Of those seven burglaries in five cases the occupant of the home had not closed all their doors and windows.

Hot spots for the burglaries have been Warndon and Brickfields and some have involved cash and wallets being taken and others have involved the theft of car keys before the burglar has made off with the person’s car.

DI Murphy said he suspected that some of the burglars may be local to the area because the stolen cars had been driven such a short distance and because they were not targeting high-value cars as you might expect from organised criminal gangs.

He said: “People have got to think of their own personal security, of themselves and their property. I appreciate that the weather has been warm and we’re in for another warm week.

"Before going to bed or going to work in the morning make sure you lock your doors and windows.

“Don’t give burglars the opportunity to get into your property and steal. A lot of these burglaries have been at night. That is a disturbing aspect when people are sleeping in their bed with doors open and people are walking into their houses while they’re asleep in bed.

“Burglary is a crime the police take very seriously. We would seek the support of the public if they’re offered stolen property and to report suspicious activity. Keep valuables out of sight.”

Those with information about burglaries can contact West Mercia Police on 101.