Burglaries at two homes in the same Dunstable street have prompted a security warning from police.
Detectives are appealing for information from the public after houses in Crabtree Way were broken into overnight between Saturday October 11 and Sunday October 12.
Thieves forced their way in through doors and took jewellery, electrical items and cash.
Det Con Steve Smith, investigating, is keen to trace witnesses to the burglaries and also remind residents to take extra security measures now winter is on its way.
Det Con Smith said: “Making your house look and feel occupied at all times to stop burglars this winter is the advice we want the public to follow.
“Often the dark winter nights provide easy pickings for burglars with an increase in burglary numbers being recorded as the clocks go back at the end of October.
“It is known that burglars will not often target homes that are occupied and making sure your property looks and feels like someone is home can be all that is needed to keep your belongings safe.”
As part of the force’s winter Stay Safe initiative Bedfordshire Police have issued a reminder that simple crime prevention measures really can make all the difference.
These include leaving the lights on in main rooms and keeping a radio switched on and tuned in to a talk radio station.
A Beds Police spokesman said: “Thieves are essentially lazy opportunists and if they have to make a lot of noise, spend a lot of time, or risk being seen, they are unlikely to bother.
“Make sure you follow our annual advice to make your home secure and help Bedfordshire Police reduce the number of burglaries this winter.”
> For free crime prevention advice go to: http://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/tackling_crime/protecting_you.aspx or http://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/tackling_crime/stay_safe_-_burglary.aspx
> You can also email the Crime Reduction Team at crimereduction@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk or call Bedfordshire Police on 101.
> If you have information about the Dunstable burglaries contact Det Con Smith on 01582 394099 or text 07786 200011.