A SPATE of burglaries and attempted break-ins in Pocklington has led police to urge homeowners to be on their guard.

The incidents were reported to police on Thursday and are thought to have taken place overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

A window was damaged at a house in The Oval in what is thought to have been an attempt to gain entry and the same type of incident was reported by a householder in Wold Road.

A flat in Springfield Road was broken into, although nothing is thought to have been stolen. But wine, an ashtray and greetings cars were taken off the window ledge of a house in Clayfield Road.

A home in Percy Road fared worse, with a television and PlayStation 3 being taken by thieves.

Police are now asking homeowners to take precautions.

Sgt Peter Rogers said: “We are urging people to be vigilant, and if anyone sees anything suspicious they should contact police. People who are out and about during the night or the early hours of the morning are the most likely to see something they feel is suspicious and I would urge them to contact us if they do.”

Humberside Police has given residents advice on what to do to keep their home secure.

A spokesman said doors and windows should always be locked, even if the resident is just in the back garden and that deadlocks should be fitted as keys are then needed to open them from the inside as well as the outside.

Key-operated locks should be fitted on all downstairs or accessible windows,as burglars don’t like having to smash glass because of the noise and people should try to make sure that valuables cannot be seen through the window.

A timer switch on lights and radios gives the impression the house is occupied when it isn’t and keys should be kept away from the letterbox to prevent them from being fished out.

Anyone with information should telephone 0845 6060222.