DETECTIVES are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the hot weather.

Two burglaries in North Yorkshire have prompted police in the county to remind people to close their doors and windows and keep them locked.

Two homes at Monkgate Cloisters in York were broken into at 5.40am and 6.10am on Saturday, July 26 and a fire was started at one of the properties by the burglar, causing a small amount of damage.

Nothing was stolen from either of the premises.

Around the time of the incidents a man was seen in the area. He is described as white, aged in his late 20s, approximately 6ft tall, with an athletic build and short dark hair. He was clean shaven and had a large tattoo on the left hand side of his neck. The man was wearing a black crew neck t-shirt, blue jeans and red trainers.

Detective Inspector Alan Rowan, from York CID urged anyone who noticed a man behaving suspiciously in the area at the time, or who believes they may have seen him, to come forward.

He added: “While we are having this spell of warm weather, can I please remind homeowners to keep doors and windows securely locked.

“Even if you are in the house, an open window provides opportunist thieves with an easy target. They will be in and out of your home within moments having stolen your personal items.”

For more information about home security please visit; www.northyorkshire.police.uk/crimeprevention

Anyone who can assist with this investigation should contact York CID on 101 and ask for the department by name. Alternatively, information can be emailed to; yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk