POLICE officers are urging Crow Country residents to think crime prevention this Christmas after two properties in Royston were burgled. A house in Barkway Road was burgled at some point between 1pm – 3.20pm on Sunday December 13, with a property on Nor

POLICE officers are urging Crow Country residents to "think crime prevention" this Christmas after two properties in Royston were burgled.

A house in Barkway Road was burgled at some point between 1pm - 3.20pm on Sunday December 13, with a property on Normans Lane was raided on December 15 at some time between 7am - 6.15pm. On both occasions the properties were left unsecured.

PCSO Penny Tomsett, from the Royston neighbourhood team, said: "Particularly at this time of the year we are all busy but I would like to take this opportunity to ask people to take just a few moments to think about some simple crime prevention advice.

"Thieves can be opportunist and if you leave doors unlocked it makes it easy for them. Don't let a thief ruin your Christmas and ensure your home is safe," she said.

Police have joined forces with Hertfordshire County Council to introduce an online "virtual house" to their website.

Visitors can explore the house and find 25 crime prevention and home safety tips hidden away. To view the house log on to www.herts.police.uk.