Police have warned residents to lock their windows and doors and not leave keyless fobs around the house after ten burglaries in St Albans in a week.

These took place between Monday, June 25 and Tuesday, July 3, mainly in the Camp area and the city centre.

Det Insp Alex Warwick said: “Unfortunately St Albans remains a target for burglars. In some cases, offenders have forced entry into premises, and some have been left insecure due to the heat.

“Historically we have seen an increase in burglaries across Herts in the summer months especially during the holiday season when people are away.”

A silver Audi and a team of white men, aged in their late teens or early 20s, wearing baseball caps and speaking with strong Irish accents, are being sought after five break-ins last weekend.

The Audi was seen in Ramsbury Road between 9.45pm and 9.50pm on June 30 around the time a man in a black cap knocked on the door of a property which was burgled. The offenders were disturbed by a neighbour before anything was stolen.

A purse and wallet were stolen from an address in Cunningham Hill Road between 3pm on June 25 and 8pm on June 26 after a door was left insecure, and on June 30, an address on Worley Road was burgled by three men.

Det Insp Warwick said: “There have also been a number of keyless thefts of Range Rovers in St Albans and other surrounding areas, so if you see anyone acting suspiciously around these types of vehicles, please call us on 999 if you suspect a burglary or theft is in progress or call 101 if reporting retrospectively.”

“Ideally, where practical, keep windows and doors shut and locked when you are out, especially when you go on holiday, and at night.

“Don’t leave your car keys by your front door – burglars will look to see if they can break into your home quickly and take your car keys and may be able to activate keyless fobs from outside your property if within a close enough range.

“I’d also urge residents to keep their jewellery hidden away and make sure you take photographs of any distinctive items.

“Please also make sure you securely lock all windows and doors, including double locking PVCu doors and invest in timer lights to give your home the lived-in look.”