HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to be on their guard following a spate of sneak-in burglaries.

Coinciding with the lighter evenings, there have been 15 cases of homes in Northallerton being burgled via insecure doors and windows.

Items stolen have included handbags, purses, cash, jewellery, keys, a laptop computer and a games console.

Sergeant Simon Wilson, of the Northallerton Safer Neighbourhoods team, said the majority of the incidents occurred between 6pm and 10pm.

"These criminals are highly opportunistic and are clearly targeting properties where owners are in and out of their gardens and are failing to lock doors and close windows," he said. "It is essential that homeowners wise up to the fact that their property and possessions are wide open to sneak-in burglars if their home is left insecure.

"Even if you're sitting in the living room watching television, don't be lulled into thinking you won't become a victim simply by your presence. It only takes offenders a few seconds to open a door or reach through a window."

Anyone with information about the burglaries in Northallerton or who wants to report any suspicious activity, is asked to call the Northallerton Safer Neighbourhoods team on 0845-6060- 247 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.

11:37am Tuesday 24th June 2008

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