Burglars took to the streets of Bushey as residents slept on Sunday morning, making their way into eight houses to steal a car, laptops, cash and other expensive items.
Annual increases in the number of burglaries in the area showed no sign of stopping in 2009 as the amount of incidents in January soared to more than double last year's figure.
The latest crimes saw offenders targeting UPVC doors that had not been properly locked.
Credit cards, a mobile phone, laptop and a handbag were stolen from Homefield Road between 5.40am and 6am. A silver Vauxhall Astra was seen driving towards Finch Lane.
Between 5am and 7.15am in Fair Close a mobile phone, driving licence, handbag and credit cards were stolen.
Between 12.40am and 6.50am in Homefield Road an Audi A4 was stolen after the offender gained access to the property through an unlocked door and stole the car keys. A handbag and wallet were also taken.
In Bourne Road between 5.30am and 6am the burglar was disturbed by a dog but cash was still stolen.
In Brooke Way between 5am and 5.15am the burglar was disturbed by the occupants of the property but stole a laptop, handbag and watch.
In Richfield Road, between 12.30am and 8am, a closed but not locked front door led to two handbags with house keys being stolen.
In Little Martins between 8.45am and 3pm a laptop, watch, mobile, camera and Nintendo games console was stolen.
In Pickets Close in Bushey Heath, between 11.30am and 7.30pm more, unnamed, property was stolen.
Currently in January there have been 23 burglary incidents in Bushey compared to 10 last year.
From April 1 2008 to January 28, 2009 - there were 115 burglaries compared to 110 in the same time the previous year.
Last week the Watford Observer reported six unlocked cars being broken into.
PC Gerard Handscombe urged residents to make sure they had properly locked their UPVC door to prevent similar incidents happening.
