EXTRA police patrols and posters warning burglars to beware have gone up in Northwick following a spate of break-ins.

Three homes were targeted over three days by burglars who stole jewellery from two of the addresses but came away empty handed from a break-in at a third home.

Burglars forced open windows to break into all three properties.

PC Paul Slaymaker encouraged people to be vigilant and make sure their homes were secure as the nights begin to draw in.

Arboretum and Claines Safer Neighbourhood Team are also conducting extra patrols in the area while enquiries into the three break-ins are ongoing.

PC Slaymaker said: "These are relatively isolated incidents but with it getting darker in the evening we are encouraging residents to be more vigilant and security conscious."

Jewellery was taken during the first break in on Northwick Road between Monday, September 28 at 5.30pm and Tuesday, September 29 at 9.20am.

Burglars also broke into a second home along the road between 10.30am on the Monday (September 28) and 10.52am the following day but nothing was taken.

Several pieces of jewellery were stolen from a home in Bevere Drive between Sunday, September 27 at 2pm and Tuesday, September 20 at just before 10am.

An 18-carat gold engagement ring in a block style up to one single diamond, white gold ring with cluster diamond and 9-carat eternity fishtail style ruby ring were taken.

Thieves also made off with an 18-carat gold necklace with gold triangular links, men's silver watch with gold and white face as well as a thick gold bracelet with oval links and a silver bracelet and silver necklace with pendant both with clear stones.

Three brooches were taken including a gold brooch shaped in the letter A, a 9-carat gold leaf brooch with red rose decoration and a blue round circle brooch with stones on it.

West Mercia Police has just launched its Lighten Up awareness campaign to help people deter burglars from their homes during the darker months.

With 62 per cent of burglaries taking place during the evening, officers suggest leaving a light on in the property, using timer switches to turn lights on when empty and locking doors, patio and downstairs windows even when in.

They also advise setting a burglar alarm, keeping valuables, such as keys, away from windows, doors or by the letterbox and securing gates and side entrances as well as investing in external lighting.

Anyone who believes they saw something suspicious in Northwick during these times or has information regarding the burglaries should call police via their non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.