POLICE are warning people to be on their guard after a rise in burglaries in the Carlton area.
There were 12 burglaries in Carlton, Carlton Hill and Porchester between February 1 and 13, compared to just three in the same period last year.
Police say there have been a number of arrests in connection with the crimes, but no charges as yet.
However, officers said they were unable to say whether any of the incidents are linked.
Sergeant Carol Adams de Banke said: "Many of these involve offenders breaking in via the rear of the property and taking small electrical items and jewellery.
"Although we have increased our patrols, made several arrests and planned targeted operations in the area, we are also asking for the public's help in reducing this type of crime.
"These burglaries have taken place during day time and early evening and the public can help us by remaining vigilant, especially around these times, keeping an eye out for their neighbours and by reporting any unusual behaviour.
"You might want to consider installing a burglar alarm if you don't have one already."
One target was family-run book shop Book Law Publications, in Carlton Hill, which was also set on fire by the offenders.
Tens of thousands of books are believed to have been ruined in the blaze, which was started in the early hours of February 7.
Catherine Mather, 44, and her 73 year-old father, David Allen, who started the business in 1988, said more needed to be done to improve security for businesses in the area.
Ms Mather said: "We know there is a spate of incidents happening in Carlton Hill.
"We had an attempt on our shop over the weekend before the arson attack. Where we are, we back onto a cul-de-sac so people have easy access.
"We can't do anything about it."
She added: "We would like to see CCTV cameras and more police patrolling. I know we have Community Protection Officers but that's not enough.
"Carlton Hill is a very tight-knit community and we all look after each other, but we cannot stop that kind of crime as it's happening when we're not there.
"We need to do something about it."
Of the state of his business following the fire, Ms Mather said: "We're just realising the full devastation of what happened.
"The back part of the property wasn't damaged by fire, but the amount of smoke and dust created has damaged all the books kept in there.
"Everything in the premises has been lost. It has ruined my livelihood.
"It's knocked us back but we're trying to keep the mail order side going.
"We've near enough cleared the shop now. Hopefully later this week we will be able to start getting it back to normal."
Anyone with any information about the burglaries is asked to call Carlton Police Station on 101, extension 811 6667, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
