POLICE are warning householders in Mal-vern and Powick to be vigilant after a recent spate of burglaries in the area.

In the past three months opportunist thieves stole contents from ten homes which had doors and windows open.

As a result officers are asking people not to leave large amounts of cash or pin numbers with bankcards at home as this makes life easier for thieves.

PC Mike Stephenson, crime risk officer for South Worcestershire, said he sympathises with anyone who has been burgled.

He said: "It always sounds rather trite to say that burglary isn't a major problem in this area. It isn't - but I understand completely just how hollow the fact sounds to someone whose home has just been burgled and we take it very seriously.

"By protecting our homes and making them look less attractive to burglars, we can prevent a lot of burglaries from happening. It is not true that a home must be made like a fortress to be safe, a few simple steps can help."

He said windows should always be closed and locked with visible locks and spare keys never left under a mat or flowerpot. He also suggested leaving a light on and asking a neighbour to keep an eye on your property.

PC Dave Glass, one of the officers investigating burglaries in Malvern and Powick, added: "In one of the burglaries the pin number was not with the card and so the burglar telephoned the householder and purported to be a police officer asking for the pin number.

"Unfortunately she gave out this information and the card was used to withdraw several hundred pounds."

PC Glass said it was important to remember that no-one, including a police officer, would ever need your pin number for any reason.

Anyone with any information about burglaries in Malvern can telephone police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.