RESIDENTS in a crime-hit area of York have been urged to help police catch criminals.

Officers at Clifton have been delivering a personal letter from Chief Inspector Andy Bell asking residents to keep their doors and windows locked after eight burglaries in the last week - seven of which were sneak-in incidents.

The numbers are much higher than normal, and are reflected across the city. Chief Insp Bell said the east of York had reported five.

He said: "This sort of incident is not uncommon in the summer, but it isn't usually to this extent.

"I have decided to issue this letter and leaflets in Clifton because that is the area I am responsible for, but it is happening all over the city. We just can't seem to get the message across to people, and these villains are having a field day."

In the letters, delivered to the terraced homes in the Burton Stone Lane area, Chief Insp Bell said: "In recent weeks there has been a considerable increase in the number of house burglaries in your area.

"In a large proportion of these offences the criminal has been able to enter the house through open doors and windows.

"Once inside they have stolen property and been able to make good their escape unseen.

"The purpose of writing to you is to ask for your assistance."

Householders are asked to keep their doors and windows secure, and contact the police if they see anything suspicious.

Residents are also doing their bit to reduce crime at Clifton by launching a special crime prevention guide.

Over the next two weekends the new 25-page guide will be delivered to 3,000 homes in the North Clifton area of York.

The Safe Home Guide has been produced by residents working with Neighbourhood Watch and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, with funding from the North Clifton Regeneration Project.

Steve Etherington, a member of the residents' working group, said: "The guide gives practical advice on home safety and security and is just one of the many ways that residents are working to combat crime in the area and to make people feel safe in their own homes."

Updated: 15:53 Thursday, August 09, 2001