POLICE in Gloucester are urging residents in the city to check their security after five break-ins were reported in 24 hours.

Houses in Welveland Lane and Welveland Road in Barnwood, Green Lane in Hucclecote and Matson Avenue were targeted during the daytime on Wednesday (December 11).

Another property in Cooks Orchard was broken into overnight going into Thursday (December 12).

In Green Lane a resident saw two young people trying to break into their house. They were described as aged in their late teens, white, about 5ft 8ins tall and wearing grey joggers. A third youth was seen, probably acting as a lookout, at the front of the house.

Electrical equipment including televisions and computers were taken in the burglaries.

Sergeant Jon Testar said: "Operation Switch, which was aimed at raising awareness of home security as the nights get darker earlier has been a great success, with the number of break-ins falling dramatically.

"I would urge people to check their security in the wake of these incidents though and look at our website for crime reduction advice.

"Anyone with information about these cases should call 101."