Four homes which were under renovation became targets for burglars.

Hertfordshire Constabulary have logged four incidents of burglars targeting St Albans addresses going under renovation in October.

On October 10, tools were stolen from the outside of an address in Brampton Road, St Albans at 6pm. Police believe there was an attempt for offender(s) to get inside the house but was unsuccessful.

Another target was in Cambridge Road, which is just 0.7 miles away from Brampton Road, as tools were stolen from an address between 6pm on October 10 and 7:30pm on October 11. The same address was targeted a second time the following night (October 12) between 11:15pm and 9:30am.

Two other incidents took place earlier on October 5 around Colney Heath, where an address in Fellowes Lane had cash and electrical items stolen between 5pm and 10:30pm, and an address in Swans Close had jewellery and cash stolen.

St Albans Detective Inspector Alexandra Warwick said: “Sometimes offenders are coming back to the same address as they know the tools will be replaced. Using scaffolding and going to properties very early in the morning, they expect to be mistaken for builders.

“If you are having building work done on your home, consider installing CCTV or doorbell cameras and leave timer lights on. I’d also encourage you to ask your neighbours to be aware of these burglaries.

“Always call 999 if you see people or vans out of place or acting suspiciously. We would rather be called to a false alarm with good intention than miss the opportunity to catch a burglar in the act.”