POLICE in York have joined forces with the Evening Press to highlight a sudden surge in burglaries in part of the city.

Over the last six years crime rates across the city have fallen, but in recent weeks, break-in figures have started to creep back up.

The Clifton area has been particularly badly hit, with 27 burglaries occurring throughout January, compared to just ten in the same period last year.

Acting Chief Inspector Ken McIntosh, who is in charge of policing the area, said: "Criminals are targeting terraced houses, forcing entry through rear windows and doors. They will steal whatever they can easily carry away, such as cash, jewellery and DVDs."

He added that although the police had had some success in catching suspected burglars, the crimes were continuing.

Thieves have been particularly targeting the streets off Burton Stone Lane, Bootham Crescent, Grosvenor Terrace, Newborough Street and Scarborough Terrace.

The break-ins have been happening during the evenings and overnight between 1am and 8am.

Of the 27 incidents, nine were attempts where people's home security measures stopped the thieves getting in.

"This is particularly pleasing as it shows that householders are taking crime prevention seriously," said Detective Chief Inspector Javad Ali, the new crime commander for the York and Selby area.

"What we also need is people to vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police. Even the smallest thing can help significantly."

Residents are advised to tighten up their home security with measures such as door and window locks, external lighting and alarms. The police and their partners in the community have also managed to secure funds for security improvements to homes.

Updated: 15:30 Wednesday, February 06, 2002