Burglaries have risen sharply in Croydon and police are bracing themselves for more as thieves cash in on Christmas.

A total of 67 homes were burgled in the first week of December, a rise of 27 cases compared to the same period in November, equal to a 68 per cent increase.

Nearly 10 burglaries a day were committed in Croydon during the week, with more expected in the run-up to Christmas.

Officers in the Croydon Police Burglary Squad launched Operation Spotlight this week, which focuses on cutting off the “handlers” of stolen goods and educating the public to stay safe and vigilant.

Detective inspector Tim Evans said: “We are urging the public to keep an eye out in their neighbourhoods for anything suspicious.

“We have the resources in place to react to these kinds of situations especially in the run up to Christmas.”

Thieves are targeting properties in Upper Norwood, Thornton Heath and Norbury in particular and are using crude methods to get into properties.

Gangs of three to four men are forcing entry into properties through either back doors or patio doors.

DI Evans added: “Some of the thieves are brazenly kicking in front doors and going through that way, others are being let in communal flats and once they are in they have their pick of flats.”

The police are advising people to keep their windows and doors locked, even if they go out for a short amount of time and to question anyone who comes through a communal door of flats.

Detective Chief Inspector John Wilson added: “Some of the burglaries in the south of the borough have been while residents have been in the house.

“Cash cards, handbags and mobile phones have simply been taken off the side or from near the back door when people get in.”

If you see anyone in your neighbourhood who is acting suspiciously or looks out of place call 0208 6491377 or 999 in an emergency.