POLICE have called on residents to increase security measures on their homes after 17 reported burglaries across Geraldton in the last seven days.

Geraldton senior sergeant Tony Mettam said the number was not alarmingly high, but claimed it should be substantial enough make residents pay more attention to securing their homes.

“It’s not panic stations, 17 out of the amount of houses we’ve got in Geraldton in reality is not very many, but residents should be concerned enough to take some security measures around their home,” Sgt Mettam said.

Sr. Sgt Mettam said many of the burglaries had occurred as a result of offenders gaining access through unlocked windows and doors.

He also expressed concern about a “growing trend” of juvenile burglars knocking at doors to see if residents were home.

“If someone answers they simply ask for a drink of water or the time or some superfluous thing and then they head off and don’t break into the house,” he said.

“Should the door not be answered then it would appear they go round the back and make their way inside and burglarise the place.”

Sr. Sgt Mettam said wallets and Iphones were the common items on burglars’ hit lists.

He said one vehicle was stolen in the past week with keys taken from one property.

No charges had been laid in relation to any offences.

Sr. Sgt Mettam said it appeared the culprits were breaking into peoples homes for fun.

He sent a stern message to the offenders.

“The message is we will get you and sooner or later you will go to the grey bar hotel,” he said.