BURGLARIES are on the increase in parts of Ipswich with 12 hitting one area of town in a week.With warmer weather on the way, police are today warning people to keep doors and windows shut when they are not at home or are in bed.

BURGLARIES are on the increase in parts of Ipswich with 12 hitting one area of town in a week.

With warmer weather on the way, police are today warning people to keep doors and windows shut when they are not at home or are in bed.

More than half the burglaries in recent weeks have been on homes where doors and windows have been left open.

A spokeswoman for the force said such burglaries could have been avoided if opportunists had not seen doors or windows left open.

She said: “It is a fact that keeping windows and doors locked and secure significantly reduces the chances of being burgled and the police are asking for the public's help with this.

“The police message is quite clear - lock up and keep safe.”

Community police officers patrol their beat during summer months offering advice to residents on how to keep their homes secure.

Officers advise people to make locking their doors and closing windows part of their routine every time they go out.

The current spate of burglaries has been happening at all hours of the day and night and residents are also being reminded to take their belongings upstairs with them to make it harder for burglars to break-in and snatch property.

Chief Inspector Alan Caton of Ipswich police said: “I would ask everyone for extra vigilance and consider the security of their homes at all times following this spate of burglaries around the town.”

Police are urging anyone who sees suspicious activity to contact police immediately.

n. Have you been a victim of burglary? How did it affect you? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk