A spate of post-Christmas break-ins has hit the west end and Stobswell areas of Dundee.
A police crackdown has seen patrols stepped up to put more boots on the ground in an effort to deter thieves and reassure residents.
High-value Christmas presents and electric items such as televisions, games consoles, tablet computers and mobile phones are particularly attractive to thieves, who may be “window shopping”, according to police.
West end flats around Blackness Road are among those which have been targeted by thieves in the latest round of house break-ins.
Local councillor Fraser Macpherson said ground-floor flats and those without secure entry systems were an issue.
He said: “Over the years there have been a few spates like this in the west end and of course it is of great concern to residents.
“Leaving aside the stealing of possessions, a break-in is an invasion of people’s personal space.
“We have noticed in particular ground-floor flats and anything people can do to improve security would help.”
He said grants for secure entry systems are available for private landlords through the council’s neighbourhood services department.
As part of their high-visibility patrols, police officers have stopped and spoken to pedestrians and motorists as well as carrying out checks of vehicles in their crackdown to deter and detect thieves.
Mr Macpherson added: “I am very pleased that Police Scotland has been so proactive and these sort of high-visibility and well-staffed patrols are to be welcomed.”
PC Catherine McLean said: “Although the festive period is over, there will still be a number of high-value items kept within households.
“Electrical items such as televisions, games consoles, tablet computers and mobile telephones are particularly attractive to thieves. Please make sure that, where possible, you do not leave these items on show for opportunist thieves, who may be window shopping.”
Other police crime prevention advice includes not “advertising” to thieves by leaving new goods packaging outside and disposing of it carefully.
Homeowners have also been advised to lock all doors and windows, and consider external security lighting, alarms as well as leaving a light on when they go out.
Officers say people should also be careful what information they share on social media, such as saying their home is unoccupied, which can be an open invitation for opportunistic thieves.
Residents are also asked to look out for their neighbours and report anyone seen acting suspiciously to Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.