DETECTIVES in Hartlepool are urging residents to be more secure and keep doors locked after a number of burglaries occurred over the weekend.

The seven burglaries were in The Rift House and Rossmere areas of the town, between mid-afternoon and the early hours of the morning on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Five of these were the result of doors being left unlocked and could have been prevented if residents had secured their homes.

Cash, a laptop, alcohol and cigarettes along with house and car keys were among the property stolen.

Acting Detective Inspector Lee Rukin said: "It only takes a few seconds for someone to enter an unlocked door and steal property from your home.

"We are now in the run up to Christmas and being a victim of a burglary at any time of year can be devastating but traditionally Christmas sees an increase in this type of crime.

"I would urge all Hartlepool residents to get into a routine of locking your doors, whether you are in or out, to prevent criminals entering your home and taking your belongings."

There will be a number of operations throughout December in order to tackle burglaries involving high profile and pro-active patrols.

A/DI Rukin added: "I would also like to seek help from the public in tackling these types of crimes by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity to the police."

Anyone with information can call Hartlepool Police Station on 01642-302126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.