Police patrols are to be increased in Kingston after it was revealed that the number of burglaries in the borough continues to rise.

Kingston police has been forced to launch Operation Robinson to combat the rise, which the force says will include increasing patrols, placing undercover officers in burglary hotspots and other “covert tactics”.

Detectives said most of the break ins are from burglars entering round the back of people’s homes, wither by smashing windows or walking through unlocked doors.

A spokesman said: “Since the start of the year Kingston has seen a rise of burglaries, all with a similar methods - entering the property from the rear.

“The suspects are either smashing through windows/doors or entering via unlocked patio doors.

“When they get inside they are turning your house upside down and taking jewellery, cash and expensive electronic items.

“We want calls so that we can deploy our resources straight to the scene – the more people we stop and speak to the better.”

Last year, the Metropolitan Police launched Operation Bumblebee, an initiative aimed at protecting residents against burglaries in the coming winter months.

Despite its launch, Kingston police say detectives have recorded a rise in the number of burglaries in the borough.

Residents are being advised to lock all doors to their homes and even install CCTV cameras to help catch the burglars.

In April last year, official police figures revealed that Kingston was the safest borough in London.