A SHARP increase in burglaries in Newport during the first week of the New Year is triggering police warnings.

Between January 1 and January 9, there were 37 burglaries across the city.

The statistics show a steep rise in burglaries when compared to December, when the whole month saw just 61 burglaries and November when there were 91.

Now police are warning city residents to make sure they lock all their doors and windows.

In 13 of the 37 January burglaries, the offenders got in through windows or doors which were left open.

People of all ages have fallen victim to opportunist burglars, who have literally walked into their homes without needing to break in.

Crime prevention officer Nick Haynes, of Newport central police station, said: "Insecurity burglaries are happening in all areas of Newport and there is no particular age group that are being targeted.

"Although Newport has seen a consistent reduction in burglaries over the past three years there has been a recent increase in numbers, many of which were as a result of insecurities".

Dwelling house burglaries dropped by 28 per cent over the last three years.

In October last year there were 100 burglaries in Newport, 34 per cent through insecurities. In November there were 91 burglaries, 29 per cent through insecurity.

There was a dramatic drop in burglaries in December, with 61 being committed, 33 per cent through insecurities.

Now police are determined to crush this recent surge.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Webber urged people to make sure they lock their windows and doors particularly when going to bed.