A spike in burglaries and attempted burglaries has seen nine home-owners fall victim to thieves this week.

Six properties in Redbourn, Harpenden and Wheathampstead were targeted by burglars, and although one of these incidents is believed to be separate, police are not ruling out that the other five in this area could be linked.

The first, an attempted burglary, occurred on Crabtree Lane in Harpenden between 7.45pm on Tuesday (28) and 5pm on Wednesday (30).

A mix of burglaries and attempted burglaries happened on Thursday (30) between 7am and 7pm in Down Edge and Nicholls Close in Redbourn, Lower Luton Road in Wheathampstead, and the Uplands in Harpenden.

A further two properties in St Albans also had an attempted break-in; one in Belsize Close between 5pm on Wednesday (29) and 8am Thursday (30), and on Watford Road between 9.30am and 1.30pm on Wednesday (29).

A home in Cotlandswick, London Colney, was burgled between 10pm on Monday (27) and 6am on Tuesday (28).

Police have warned residents to be vigilant with their home security. Information about how to keep your property secure can be found here.

If you have any information about these burglaries, please contact Herts Police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.