Papamoa residents are being advised to securely lock it and latch it following a spate of burglaries in the neighbourhood.

Papamoa Police report at least two homes were broken into while the occupants slept inside at the weekend.

Residents in Papamoa are being urged to lock their houses at night.

The burglaries took place on Friday, January 10 and the offender is believed to have been in, or around, the Santa Monica Drive, Malibu Key and Laguna Key area.

Papamoa Police Sergeant Phil Gillbanks is warning residents this is an opportunistic burglar and people need to remember to lock any windows or doors.

'Make sure anything of value is not clearly visible through a window,” says Phil.

'The reality is this is a very opportunistic burglar that's in and out very quickly.”

Papamoa Neighbourhood Support coordinator Lorraine Stevens says the group posted 240 flyers in Papamoa letterboxes on Monday outlining the burglaries and preventative measures.

'It was basically what Phil [Papamoa Sergeant Phil Gillbanks] sent out, just saying please ensure if you are leaving windows or doors ajar at night for ventilation while you sleep, make sure that your open windows are on security stays or doors are latched or bolted so they can't open any further.”

Lorriane told SunLive the two burglaries were in close proximity to the Santa Monica Drive area, but believes they are random attacks. The contents of the stolen briefcase and a handbag were found strewn on the back lawns of the properties.

'It's just basically coming back down to knowing your neighbours and if you see something say something; and if something is happening call 111 and don't muck around.

'If you are going out it's better to come home to a hot home than an empty home.”

The neighbourhood support group currently has 4400 properties registered with it, and Lorraine says it is making a 'high difference” when it comes to reducing crime in the area.

Mount Maunganui/Papamoa councillor Steve Morris says residents need to pay extra attention to locking up and ensuring their homes are safe and secure during the holiday months.

'These are the times when we have thieves about more with people going away and obviously it pays to keep in touch with your neighbour,” says Steve.

'It pays to formulate a relationship with neighbours so they know when you are going away and they can collect your mail and keep an eye out.”

If anyone has information they think can help police, contact the Papamoa Station on 07 572 2440 or call anonymously 0800 Crimestoppers