Elderly residents in Leeds are being warned to be vigilant by police following three distraction burglaries in the Middleton and Belle Isle area of the city, something which could have an impact on home insurance costs.

The first incident occurred on Monday (August 4th) when two men entered a garden claiming they had lost a ball. While the owner helped one search for it the other entered the house and stole cash and a pension book.

Meanwhile, on August 6th, two suspects asked residents of a house in Belle Isle if they could have a look in their garden for a lost kitten. As one man kept the occupiers busy another stole cash and jewellery from the home.

In the third incident, also at Belle Isle, a man approached a property and asked if he could look for a ball while a second man entered the house, stealing cash and a handbag.

Detective inspector Tim Hunt, of Holbeck criminal investigation department, said residents must remain cautious when people call at their homes.

"We would urge people to be vigilant, and if you are in any doubt about callers at your door do not let them in and keep your door on a chain. If you are suspicious of them, call the police," he said.

Should the number of burglaries in these areas increase it could have an impact on home insurance costs as it may lead to more claims being made to providers.

In other news, the Haverhill Echo reports police are warning property owners to be careful following a rise in the number of break-ins in the west Suffolk area recently.

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