Hertsmere Police warning after six burglaries in eight days

New advice from police in Hertsmere comes after all six reports involved burglars entering homes through a window.

Between 7.40pm and 8pm on December 28, in Prowse Avenue, Bushey Heath, burglar(s) entered a home through a bedroom window above a flat roof and stole money and jewellery. (Crime reference 41/104860/22).

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On December 31 there was an attempt to enter a home through an upstairs window in Watford Road, Radlett, between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. (Crime reference 41/272/23).

Between 7pm on January 2 and 10am on January 3, in Woodlands Road, Bushey, burglar(s) entered a home through an upstairs window and ended up taking a car. (Crime reference 41/611/23).

A watch was stolen between 10am on December 29 and 6.30pm on December 30 in Ridge, Potters Bar. The offender(s) had jemmied open a downstairs window. (41/105466/22).

In Ashley Drive, Borehamwood, the burglar(s) stole a car after entering a home through a ground floor window between 6.15pm and 6.50pm on December 29. (Crime reference 41/105049/22).

Police have explained some precautions people can take to reduce their risk (Image: PA)Offenders also entered to a home through a rear door in Winston Way, Potters Bar, between 6.50pm and 7.05pm on December 29.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Rachael Robertson said: “We have received a number of reports where the offender(s) are going to the rear of the property and gaining access through upstairs windows via flat rooves.

More Hertfordshire Police advice on protecting homes here

“Our investigations into these burglaries are ongoing, however I would urge residents to be vigilant, report suspicious behaviour and ensure they secure their properties.”

Police advised people to be mindful of items which might be in their garden that could help criminals get to the first floor, such as ladders or garden furniture. They added that things that could be used to break windows or jemmy them open should also be removed.

"Small things such as leaving a light on to give the impression that someone is home can go a long way to deter a burglar,” the inspector added.

Information on any of these burglaries can be reported by calling 101 and quoting the relevant crime reference number.