Burglars have struck 25 times in one area of the city in the past two weeks.

Residents in the Montpelier, Regency and Trafalgar Street areas in Brighton have today been warned to step up security.

Police are increasing high-profile and plain-clothed police patrols and targeting suspects.

Inspector Lorraine Morrison, of Brighton and Hove police, said insecure basement flats were especially vulnerable.

She said: "We are concentrating resources in the area to prevent more break-ins and to catch those responsible - but we need help from the public.

"We need them to act as our eyes and ears and to report anything suspicious immediately.

"Taking down registration numbers of suspect vehicles would be extremely useful."

Insp Morrison appealed to residents to increase security.

She said: "People should always shut and lock their windows and doors."