People are being warned not to become a victim after a spate of burglaries across Hertsmere.

In particular, burglars are specifically targeting car keys.

Cars and jewellery have been stolen from properties in the borough during the school holidays.

On Monday April 9, a Toyota Yaris, two sets of car keys, and jewellery were stolen from a house in Nightingale Road in Bushey between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Police say the burglars smashed their way into the house through the rear patio doors.

A Seat Leon and car keys were stolen from a driveway in Arlingham Cottages in Potters Bar between 10pm on April 2 and 7am on April 3.

An attempted burglary also took place in The Greenway in Potters Bar at 4.30am on April 3.

A property was also targeted in Nicholas Road, Elstree, at around 3.30pm on the afternoon of April 4.

Residents are being advised to be more careful about where they leave their belongings.

Hertsmere Detective Inspector Graeme Walsingham said: “Don’t leave your car keys by your front door. Burglars will look to see if they can break into your home quickly and take your car. If they don’t see any keys in your property, they will find a home where keys are more openly on display in the front porch.

“I’d also urge residents to keep their jewellery hidden away and make sure you take photographs of any distinctive items. Please also make sure you securely lock all windows and doors, including double locking PVCu doors and invest in timer lights and smart web cam CCTV technology inside your home or on your doorbells and give your home the lived-in look.”

“As some burglars have targeted homes with a flat roof, I’d also encourage residents to consider installing burglar alarms and smart web cam CCTV upstairs as well as downstairs.”

DI Walsingham added: “Please report anyone acting suspiciously or any vehicle out of place. We’d rather get called to a false alarm than miss the opportunity to catch a burglar. Residents may also want to consider joining Neighbourhood Watch via the Online Watch Link where you can receive free emails about crime in your local area."