Cars stolen as police warn of a spate of Harrogate burglaries this weekend

Burglars broke into four homes over the weekend of December 9-11 with the suspects gaining entry by damaging the rear door locks of the properties.

In two of the incidents, the suspects broke into the owner's homem, took their keys and stole their cars in a "2-in-1" burglary.

The "2-in-1" burglaries happened in Beech Avenue where a black Mini Cooper was stolen and Harlow Moor Drive where a blue Volkswagen Gold was stolen.

A property on Ash Road was also targeted where various electrical items, including Apple products, were stolen while a purse was stolen from a Leeds Road home.

Police say the believe the suspects had crossed the border from the West Yorkshire area to carry out the burglaries.

Detective Constable Quita Passmore of Harrogate Investigation Hub has warned homeowners to take basic security measures to reduce their chances of being targted.

He said: "Simple measures such as leaving a light-timer on to make it look as though the house is occupied, activating any alarms that you have fitted, and removing valuables – including car keys - from view, can help reduce your chances of being burgled.

“The more obstacles you put in a thief’s way, the less likely they are to strike. Particularly in the run up to Christmas, criminals know there are valuable gifts inside our homes, so please do all you can to keep them out of sight and out of reach.”

Officers are appealing for information about any suspicious people or vehicles seen in the areas of all four burglaries.

The burglaries are believed to have taken place overnight between Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 with one being reported on December 11 due to the occupants being away.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Harrogate Investigation Hub.

Quote reference number 12160223066 when passing on information.