A SHARP spike in the number of burglaries has been reported in the last week.

North Yorkshire Police said ten burglaries had been reported in the Tang Hall, Osbaldwick and Heworth areas of the city since February 12.

The thieves stole laptops, games consoles, smartphones and tablets, whiskey and bicycles, and in nine of the ten incidents, police said the burglars had gained entry through insecure doors, windows or garages.

Detective Constable Rebecca Hughes said: "While York is a very safe city, there have recently been a number of burglaries targeting insecure homes and garages in the Tang Hall, Osbaldwick and Heworth areas. Please help us keep you safe by taking basic crime prevention measures to secure your property."

Det Con Hughes urged residents to lock doors and windows, keep records and photographs of valuable and electrical items and their serial numbers, and if possible, install location software such as Find My iPhone to wipe data and locate your devices if stolen.

To report any suspicious behaviour or if you have information about the thefts phone 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. If a crime is in progress, always phone 999.