Burglars have struck again in a quiet York village which is rapidly becoming a burglary hotspot.

Three homes, in Copmanthorpe, were all hit during the daytime, as were the nine homes, which were broken into last week, when £20,000-worthy of property stolen was stolen.

In the latest series of thefts, a wedding ring and a pair of pearl earrings were among the items stolen from a home in Weaver's Close and homeowners in Saddler's Close and Farrier's Croft are still counting the costs of break-ins.

York police have reiterated their appeal for local residents to review their security arrangements and say making houses appear occupied is of paramount importance.

"Your home may not look a very inviting target for burglars when you leave for work in the morning," said DI Geoff Dodd.

"But if the house is still in darkness come the afternoon it can make it an obvious target for thieves.

"People do need to continually review their security arrangements - and not just in terms of the physical security of their home, although good door and window locks are important.

"Records, preferably with photographs, also need to be kept of valuable items and timer switches can be used to switch on lights when it's getting dark - or neighbours may be willing to open and close curtains."

Forensic evidence from the burgled homes leads police to believe all the break-ins could be linked and they are asking local residents to be especially vigilant.

Tang Hall Library, in Fifth Avenue, was also burgled last night and cash boxes containing 60p were stolen.

A TV, video and CD player were stolen from a house in North Parade, off Bootham, and a clock has been taken by burglars who broke into a home on Blossom Street.

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