Police patrols in Bowthorpe are to be stepped up after a spate of burglaries in the run up to and over the Christmas period.

Thieves have targeted 10 addresses in the area over the last two weeks, since December 17, which has prompted calls for people living in the area to be on their guard.

Burglaries have been reported in Tunstall Close, Donchurch Close, Norwich Road, Smeat Street, Reydon Close, Bishy Barnebee Way, Skoner Road, Walcot Close, Edrich Way and Harry Barber Close.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Firm, from Norwich CID, has issued a personal plea for vigilance following the spate of crimes.

He said: 'I would urge residents to pay extra attention to home security by making sure doors and windows are locked wherever possible.

'Patrols by uniform and plain-clothes officers have been increased in local area and I would encourage members of the public to call us if they see anyone acting suspiciously or have any information.

'We would like to stress that people wishing to pass on information in confidence can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To report incidents of suspicious behaviour call 101 or in an emergency dial 999.'

The incident in Smeat Street, off Peverell Rod, Bowthorpe, happened on Boxing Day between 1pm and 6.30pm when suspects entered an address through a window before carrying out a search. Items taken include a Nintendo Wii games console and Dell laptop.

Following the burglaries police have offered the following crime prevention advice:

Fit mortise locks (Kitemarked BS3621) to all front and back doors and locks to all downstairs windows or windows which are easy to reach.

Fit and use window locks on all accessible windows both upstairs and downstairs.

Keep your house and car keys safe and away from doors and windows.

Fit a burglar alarm, but make sure it is installed by a company who is registered with SSAIB or NSI and is fitted to BS EN50131.

Keep garage and garden shed locked with proper security locks, and keep any tools secure, out of sight and property marked.

Have you been a victim of crime and are prepared to tell your story? Contact Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk