Burglars targeted four properties in four roads in Potters Bar yesterday, stealing cash and jewellery.

They struck in Darkes Lane, Church Road, Hatfield Road and Mutton Lane yesterday, Thursday, November 30.

Police are appealing for information following the four incidents.

Burglars struck in Darkes Lane between 10.30am and 9.20pm, stealing a gold Citizen Eco-Drive watch, a silver Michael Kors watch, jewellery and a quantity of cash.

The Church Road burglary took place between 8.30am and 6.10pm.

Again, cash and jewellery was stolen.

In Hatfield Road, police were called to reports of a burglary at 6.30pm.

It is not yet known what may have been taken.

In Mutton Lane, offenders rang a doorbell and when no-one answered, they assumed the home was empty.

They then tried to break in through the front door, but were challenged and ran off.

A police spokesman said: “The number of burglaries often increase during the autumn and winter, because homes are left unlit when the afternoons grow darker.

“Burglars will always target empty homes so make sure your home has a lived in look.

“Hertfordshire Constabulary recommends using timer switches on a lamp, radio or TV set so that they turn on as it gets dark in the afternoons.

“Make a habit of checking that ground floor windows and doors are closed and locked when you leave the house or go to bed. Upstairs windows should be locked when the house is unoccupied.

“Remember, PVCu doors must be locked by lifting the handle and turning the key to ensure all the security features are in place.”