Police are urging residents to be vigilant as they investigate a spate of recent burglaries in the north of the county.

There has been three burglaries over the weekend in the Leek, Kidsgrove and Chell areas.

On Saturday at approximately 8.45pm, three offenders, wearing all black clothing with balaclavas, forced entry to a property at an address off Westwood Park Drive, Leek. They carried out an untidy search whilst the occupants were out. Designer watches and bank cards were stolen.

Another break-in took place sometime between 7.30pm and 8.20pm on Saturday at a home off Silverstone Crescent in Chell. The suspects entered the property through an insecure window before searching each room but on this occasion nothing was taken.

A third report was received just after 1.40am on Sunday (16 October) of a break-in at an address on Whitfield Road in Kidsgrove. Sometime during the evening offenders had forced entry and carried out a search of the property. We are working with the resident to establish exactly what has been taken.

Patrols have been stepped up in the areas while door-to-door and CCTV inquiries are taking place, alongside forensic examinations.

Police are investigating the possibility that the three incidents are linked.

Detective Inspector Andy Bryan, said: "We are appealing for anyone to come forward if they saw anything suspicious, including individuals, vehicles or activity in these areas at the time of the incidents.

"I am also appealing for anyone with CCTV, smart doorbell or dashcam footage of the relevant areas to come forward.

"We would urge everyone to please ensure entrances to their properties are secure at all times to deter criminals who chance their hand and try doors and gates to see if there is a way in.

"To report any suspicious incidents such as this please message the force on social media or call 101 to pass on the details. In an emergency, always dial 999."

Officers are re-issuing the following crime prevention advice to all residents:

• Make sure your front and back doors are locked at all times – even when you're at home. If you're answering the front door then make extra sure your back door is locked, as criminals could be working in pairs or groups

• Before you answer the door it's worth taking a second to think about whether you're expecting anyone – if you can see who's there before answering make sure you do

• If you have a chain on your door – use it. Don't remove it unless you're absolutely certain that person is genuine

• Tighten up security – focus on improving the protection given by doors, windows and fences to make it harder for anyone trying to break in

• Consider using a timer device to automatically turn lights on in the evenings.

• Keep all valuable items out of sight and, if possible, in a safe – if anyone does manage to get in safely stored items will make it much harder for them to find and take

Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 720 of 15 October, call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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