With seven burglaries in one weekend the police are urging residents to keep their homes safe and secure. The Rossmere and Rift house in Hartlepool was the target of the burglars and the incident took place in the early hours of the weekend.

The police stated that of the seven burglaries that took place, five were a result of homes being left unlocked and could have been prevented if the residents were alert. The stolen items were cash, alcohol, laptops, cigarettes and keys that belonged to the home and the car.

Detective Inspector Lee Rukin clearly stated that if the property was left unlocked then it would only take a few seconds for the burglar to steal from the house. He also said that Christmas was around the corner and the residents should not make mistakes like this as being a victim of burglary during festive season could be even more devastating.

As Christmas is an invitation to burglars the Detective suggested that the residents should lock up their homes and be more alert and attentive. He also reassured the trust of the residents by saying that an operation would be carried out over Christmas that would involve extensive patrolling of the area. The authorities also urged the residents to use security safes to safeguard their belongings.

He concluded by saying that any help from the public would be grateful and those who are caught in this operation would be dealt with as is necessary.