RESIDENTS in one area of Hatfield are being urged to be vigilant after a spate of home burglaries.

Seven raids on properties in and around the Millwards area of town have taken place between February 22 and Wednesday last week – with laptops the main item being stolen.

Police believe the same culprit or culprits are responsible for all seven burglaries, and are urging residents to follow some simple tips to avoid becoming further victims.

Inspector Ian Grout, of the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We believe these incidents are linked and our local crime unit is working hard to determine who is responsible.

“I’m appealing to residents living in the area to contact police if you believe you may have witnessed any of these incidents take place.

“I’d also ask people to remain vigilant and contact police if they witness anything out of the ordinary.”

The raids took place on:

* Thursday, February 23 – two homes in Millwards targeted, their front doors being forced open. A laptop, mobile phone and handbag were taken from one property, and clothing from the other.

* Thursday, March 1 – two properties in Garden Avenue broken into. A laptop and wallet containing cash were stolen from one, and a laptop and purse taken from the other home.

* Wednesday, March 7 – jewellery, a laptop and two digital cameras were taken from a house in Millwards, after the thieves forced through a wooden panel on the front door. A laptop and purse were also taken from a home in Cheviots, while there was a further attempted raid on a Millwards home, but nothing was taken.

Insp Grout added: “These burglaries serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring your property is secure and to be aware of simple crime prevention advice, such as double locking your UPVC door.

“It is possible the offenders are local so I’d urge anyone who has any information about who is responsible to pass on this information to police or through Crimestoppers anonymously at the earliest opportunity.”

Call police with information on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.