Police are issuing a warning to Potters Bar residents after a spike in burglaries across Hertsmere.

Officers claim 13 burglaries have taken place in the last two weeks and they now are urging people to take extra care protecting their homes.

Sergeant Noel Buckley, from the Hertsmere Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I would urge members of the public to make sure they are doing everything they can to secure their homes so that they don’t become a victim of burglary.

“Whilst we do have an additional number of officers on patrol, both in high-visibility and covert roles, there are simple steps people can take in order to better protect their homes.

“I would particularly like to stress to people to make sure their doors are locked – just lifting the handle on a UPVC door doesn’t make it secure, it needs to be locked with a key as well.

“Simply doing this, could stop you becoming a victim of burglary.”

He added: “Make a habit of checking that all ground floor windows and doors are secure when you either leave the house of go to bed.

“Upstairs windows should also be locked when the house is unoccupied.

“Also, if you witness someone acting suspiciously or an unfamiliar vehicle in your street, perhaps keep a pen and some paper handy.

“A description of a person or car number plate may be just what the police need to catch a burglar.

“I’d like to encourage members of the public to make sure they are doing everything they can to deter the opportunist burglar.

“We want to send a clear message that burglars are not welcome in Hertsmere.”

Residents can sign up to OWL (Online Watch Link), which allows communication between police, Neighbourhood Watch scheme coordinators and Watch members.

Members across all schemes are kept up to date with crime prevention messages, witness appeals and advice.

Anyone can join by visiting www.owl.co.uk/Herts