Lock up your home - that's the message from police who say they are investigating a series of burglaries.

Detective Sergeant Michelle McKillop said iPhones, laptops and cash are being snatched from properties that have been left unlocked during the day.

She said: It appears at this time that the offender or offenders are mainly targeting homes in the Douglas area. However we have had two reports from the South of the island also and it is currently unclear if these are connected.

'We need assistance from the public to provide us with information or report anything suspicious in their area. We rely on information in order to solve such crimes. We ask the public to contact us if they think their home has been targeted.

'Additionally we ask people to ensure they secure their homes. We understand that some people feel comfortable leaving their premises insecure and, fortunately, most of the time no one would enter uninvited but from a crime prevention perspective we would ask, why take the chance?'

Got a story? Contact Joanne on 340000 or email newsdesk@manx.net.

Twitter @jonewsiom