A spate of burglaries in Watford has forced police to increase the number of patrols in the town this week.

Four homes have been broken into by thieves this week and Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed they are stepping up patrols to "act as a deterrent to criminals".

Cash and jewellery was stolen from a property in King Georges Avenue, between 6.45pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday, January 27.

Jewellery has also been stolen from a property in Cassiobridge Road and officers believe this theft happened between 8am and 7.55pm on Tuesday, January 27.

A thief also broke into a home in Gade Avenue on Tuesday, between 6.30pm and 11.30pm, but Hertfordshire Constabulary said nothing was stolen.

An attempt was also made to try and get in to a house in Breakspeare Close, between 12.30pm and 2.30pm on Wednesday, January 28.

Detective Sergeant Jo Goodson, from the Local Crime Unit in Watford said: "We are fully investigating these burglaries, and as part of this have spoken to neighbours during house to house inquiries. We've found that people had witnessed suspicious activity but did not report it to police at the time.

"It is crucial that people contact police straight away if they see anyone acting suspiciously, particularly around their neighbour’s properties. It may seem small or insignificant but we would rather attend to check it out and it turn out to be nothing than miss an opportunity to catch an offender.

"If you see anything out of the ordinary then please call police immediately via 999.

"We've stepped up patrols to act as a deterrent to criminals, however it is a reminder to people important people take extra precautions to protect their property, such as ensuring all windows and doors are locked before leaving and double locking your UPVC door."