POLICE are urging householders to take extra care with security after five residents in the same street were targeted by thieves.

Two cars and a house in Lime Avenue, in Leftwich, were broken into overnight on August 11.

Thieves attempted to break into two more houses in the road on the same night but failed.

Nothing was taken from the cars but valuables, including cash and an MP3 player, were taken from one of the houses.

Police have increased patrols in the area and are urging residents to make sure their houses and cars are secure at night.

Insp Paul Loughlin, from Northwich Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Many of the break-ins we are seeing at the moment tend to stem from a door or window being left unlocked or open.

“Most thieves are opportunistic and will target homes or vehicles that will not be too much of a challenge for them.

“Cars with valuables on show or homes with windows left open are more attractive to thieves than locked, secure property with no valuables on show.”

Anyone with information about the incidents should ring Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.