People are being urged to secure their homes following a spate of burglaries.

Police patrols have been stepped up in Abbots Langley this week after three homes were targeted.

At around 6.35am on Thursday, November 23, a suspect removed a glass pane from a window at the back of a property in Abbots Road to gain access.

However, they were disturbed by the owner of the property and quickly left the scene.

The suspect is described as being around 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall and of proportionate build (crime reference C2/17/3603).

Access was gained to a property in Hazelbury Avenue between 11.30am and 7.45pm on November 22, after glass in a patio door was smashed.

The property was searched and the keys to a grey Volvo were located. The vehicle, with the registration BC66 DNN, was subsequently stolen (crime reference C2/17/3591).

Between 5.30pm and 8pm on Wednesday, November 22, another property was broken into in Standfield after the kitchen window was smashed.

Cash and a number of watches were stolen (crime reference C2/17/3592).

Neighbourhood Sergeant Chris Simmons said: “We remain committed to tackling burglary and have increased both overt and covert patrols in the area.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to review their home security and consider installing some of the new security devices which have come onto the market. Security lights and cameras can be installed easily and for minimal expense.

“Criminals will always prefer to target unoccupied homes. If you give your home a lived-in look, by using a timer switch to turn on a light, radio or TV, when it gets dark, then criminals will avoid your home.

“If you do witness anything suspicious, please report it to police straightaway.”

People can make their homes more secure by following these tips:

• Ensure doors are double locked at all times. Keep windows closed and locked.

• Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and use timer switches in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV.

• Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight.

• Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked. Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed.

• Join Hertfordshire’s Neighbourhood Watch for alerts and advice: www.owl.co.uk

• Consider installing a door bell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm.

• Visit www.owlprotect.uk for discounts on security products.