After a number of recent burglaries, Northumbria Police are warning residents of Heaton and Jesmond to take extra caution when locking their doors.

In recent weeks there have been 10 reported burglaries to homes in Heaton and Jesmond. Eight of these 10 homes had been left unlocked and unsecured, enabling the burglars to easily enter properties and help themselves to residents’ valuables.

The robberies took place on Jesmond Dene Terrace, Wych Elm Crescent, Meldon Terrace, Guildford Place, Shortridge Terrace, Debdon Gardens, Marleen Avenue, Seventh Avenue, Beatrice Road and Manor House Road.

Neighbourhood Inspector Gary Kay said: “Burglars are currently active in the Heaton and Jesmond areas of Newcastle and are specifically looking for houses that have doors or windows left unlocked and open. Burglars are currently active in the Heaton and Jesmond areas of Newcastle and are specifically looking for houses that have doors or windows left unlocked and open, he added.

Enquiries are ongoing into these incidents, however officers are warning all homeowners to lock their windows and doors and make sure their homes are secure, even when inside the house.

Northumbria Police issued the following message after the burglaries:

 “Please lock your doors and your windows overnight when you go to bed. Always lock them when you leave your home, even for just a short while, and also consider making sure doors are locked when you are inside your home, as we have seen incidents where burglars have struck while the victims have been in other parts of the house. “

Robberies in the Jesmond area have become increasingly frequent since the turn of the year. During the period from 14th -21st April, there were a spate of burglaries in Jesmond. Neighbourhood inspector Neil Brotherton said: “Sneak burglars are taking advantage of people leaving their homes unlocked in Jesmond and Heaton and we need people to be aware and take steps to stop them.