Police have issued a warning to people living in Leytonstone about so-called ‘creeper’ burglaries.

Houses in the E11 area of Waltham Forest have been targeted by criminals while the occupants are sleeping, the Met has revealed.

Officers are advising that all windows and doors are closed and locked overnight following the spate of burglaries, which detectives believe are ‘possibly’ linked.

Police are aware of ten break-ins in recent weeks and have identified a suspect, but have given no further details.

Additional patrols are taking place in areas at risk.

Detective Inspector Marie Maguire of Waltham Forest CID said: “We are asking everyone to check doors and windows are secure before going to bed.

“Keep a light on in the house. Until we have located and apprehended our suspect I ask that the community as a whole keep a look out for each other and if you see something suspicious please don’t hesitate to dial 999.

“We would rather attend a false alarm than miss the opportunity to prevent another person from falling victim to this crime.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who has not yet contacted us, but who thinks they may be a victim of this crime.”

Anyone with information should contact Waltham Forest Police Burglary Team on 0208 721 5429 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.