FURIOUS residents on a York estate have warned whoever is behind a spate of burglaries to stop - or face the consequences.

A group of Bell Farm residents spoke out to the Evening Press, claiming there had been "a load" of burglaries in the area recently.

Two of the group were particularly angry, after one had lost various items of electrical equipment and the other lost a substantial amount of cash.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "We think it is someone from round here. If that's right, and the people round here find out who he is, he'll get a good hiding.

"We think it's someone local as they seem to know what they can find where and they are just walking in and taking it.

"Robbing off your own is bang out of order and people just won't stand for it. He wants to stop it before he gets caught - or he'll end up regretting it."

However, York Police Inspector Ken Gill warned against any vigilante action.

Instead, he urged Bell Farm residents to work with the police to help crack crime.

He said: "We never condone people taking the law into their own hands.

"There is no guarantee that whoever is doing it has the right person - it could end up with someone being found guilty by assumption.

"The only safe place to prove someone's guilt is in a court of law, so if Bell Farm residents have information on someone they think is guilty of crime I would urge them to ring us, or crimestoppers, with that information."

Mr Gill also reminded residents of all areas of York of the steps they can take to keep criminals out.

He said: "So many crimes are committed by opportunists, so try to make it as difficult as possible for the criminal.

"Fit window locks and a burglar alarm - but also remember the basics, such as keeping doors and windows locked when unattended."

To report a crime, or to discuss crime prevention advice with a local officer, ring 01904 631321. Alternatively, ring crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, October 02, 2001