There have been six break-ins in the past two weeks and in most cases access has been gained by windows or doors which had been left open or unlocked.

Four happened over the weekend from Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14, on the Ambury Hill estate, in Drivers Avenue, Coldhams Crescent and Queens Drive. They all happened during the night.

A further two happened in the early hours of Sunday morning (September 21) in Saunders Close and Shelley Close.

All the burglaries are similar, with lap top computers, mobile phones and handbags being stolen. On several occasions the intruders stole cash or items from the handbags before discarding them nearby.

In most of the incidents the victims were at home but were not disturbed.

DC Liz Varley said: "The similarities in the burglaries lead us to believe that the same people may be responsible for all of them and I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

"It is also important that homeowners take all sensible precautions to prevent themselves from becoming a victim. These include keeping all windows and doors closed and locked, even when they are at home."

Anyone with information should contact DC Varley on 0845 456 456 4, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.