A COMMUNITY-minded York resident has warned neighbours to beware of burglars, after she spotted a man trying to open doors and windows.

The woman, who has asked not to be named, but lives in Heslington Road, said: "I am an early riser, and was up at about 5.45am on Sunday when I saw something moving in the street.

"I looked out of the window and saw a man walking along Heslington Road, trying every door and window he came to as he went. It was well light by then, but he didn't seem bothered."

The woman said she rang the police but then got in her car and followed the man, who had ridden off on a bicycle. She said: "After he was on Heslington Road he went down Farrar Street, trying windows and doors down there, and then on to Milton Street.

"Thankfully he didn't find any that were open, but I wanted to let people know about this to remind them to be vigilant."

Carole Patrick, funding and communications manager for Safer York Partnership, urged people to be cautious before following a possible criminal.

Sergeant Colin Taylor, of York Police, said an extensive police search of the area had failed to find the man. He said: "The area is regularly patrolled and targeted patrols will now take place there."

Updated: 08:33 Wednesday, May 14, 2003