A spate of burglaries in Frizinghall has led police to warn residents to take extra security measures.

A total of 11 burglaries took place in December and Sam Sagar, police community support officer for Frizinghall, said most could have been prevented.

"Most of the houses burgled have uPVC windows and these can be an easy target for burglars," said PCSO Sagar. "Home owners need to put additional security devices such as sash jammers on their windows to prevent them being forced open."

He said residents could also protect their homes by leaving lights on around the house when it is empty and drawing curtains.

"Lights on around the house and drawn curtains give the impression that the house is occupied and is usually a very good deterrent for burglars," he said.

PCSO Sagar said that he expected the number of burglaries to go up in winter because of the dark nights.

"Because it starts getting dark earlier and the nights are longer the burglar has more opportunities to target houses undercover," he said.

He said most of the 11 burglaries had taken place in the late afternoon.

"A lot of people are still at work at this time and it has already started getting dark so it gives the burglar the perfect opportunity to target your home," PCSO Sagar said.

Some of the properties burgled are part of neighbourhood watch schemes.

"Neighbourhood watch schemes are successful and do help to reduce the number of burglaries but residents living within them can still be targeted," he said. "The key is that people remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.