Ten homes were burgled in just one day as police pledge to tackle the problem and reassure homeowners.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has revealed that eight houses in the St Albans area and two in Harpenden were targeted on Monday, and jewellery is what the burglars were looking for.

The burglaries happened in Watson Avenue, The Ridgeway, Thirlmere Drive, Whitecroft, Faircross Way, Hazelwood Drive, Cell Barnes Lane, and Wood End in Park Street, while two happened in Coleswood Road in Harpenden.

Would-be burglars were disturbed after an alarm went off at a house in Watson Avenue shortly before 6pm on Monday.

Hundreds of pounds worth of Asian gold and jewellery has been stolen within the last week.

Hundreds of pounds worth of Asian jewellery was stolen from an address near Waverly Road on December 6 while Asian gold was taken from a property in Kitchener Close on December 8.

At a home in Sunnydell, Chiswell Green, on December 6, four people wearing baseball caps with their faces covered got into the upstairs of a house. Police are keen to trace a silver BMW which was seen in the area.

Police say 13 burglaries took place between November 26 and Sunday 9 December.

St Albans Detective Inspector Alexandra Warwick said: “Offender(s) have been deliberately targeting jewellery in the last few days and Asian gold in particular is being targeted. Burglars want to be in and out of homes as quickly as possible without being seen so will not waste too much time searching. Try and think of unique places and somewhere hidden and out of sight.

“The majority of burglaries have occurred during the daytime, in particular as it is getting dark. Think about leaving lights on and using timer switches and consider leaving a radio on to make your house seem occupied.”

“We have increased high-visibility and covert police patrols, are arresting and interviewing suspects and thoroughly investigating all burglaries. However, residents need to do their bit by investing in alarms, CCTV and video door bells and keep an eye out for people acting suspiciously around neighbouring properties. Always report any suspicious incidents to police on 101. If you suspect a burglary is in progress, always call 999.”

• A 33-year-old man from Watford has been arrested on suspicion of burglary at Watford Road which occurred between 10 and 11 of November. He is currently under investigation whilst enquiries continue.