Plain clothes officers are patrolling the streets of Upper Norwood to try and catch burglars in the act following a spate of break-ins.

Ten properties were broken into between August 11 and August 15 so the officers in unmarked vehicles have been drafted in.

Crystal Palace Triangle safer neighbourhoods team officers have increased the number of patrols they do in the hotspot areas and visited burglary victims and their neighbours to raise awareness and give them crime prevention advice.

Sergeant Diane Hill, from the Crystal Palace Triangle team, said: "The plain clothed officers and the neighbourhood teams are both very useful tools in the fight against burglary, but the most effective resource that police have is assistance from the community.

"Please help us to protect you and your property from burglars, not only local criminals but also those who travel from outside the borough."

Terry Fossett, 41, from Church Road, Crystal Palace, appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court last Friday charged with attempted burglary.

He has been remanded in custody before his next court appearance on Friday.

Have you been the victim of a burglary? Call 020 8722 6350.