A team of burglars posing as handymen raided 11 homes across Nottinghamshire, targeting people who left doors and windows open in the warm weather.
Police are hunting the group, who are thought to have gone on a spree from Thursday to Saturday using a white van.
Officers say one man would park the van outside people’s homes and knock on the front door, then distract whoever answered by offering to fix guttering.
An accomplice then got in to each house through unlocked back doors and windows.
All 11 burglaries happened as temperatures hit 22 degrees Celsius in Notts across Friday and Saturday.
Up to three men are thought to have been involved in the thefts, reported across Aspley, Carlton, Mansfield and Underwood.
Chief Inspector Phil Davies said: “It’s only natural that people will be enjoying the recent fine weather – but it is so important that residents stay on their guard to avoid being targeted by would-be criminals.
“Even if you’re out and about in the garden, always keep windows and doors locked to deter opportunist thieves and never purchase goods or services from anyone who calls unexpectedly at your home.
“We are also asking you to keep an eye out for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours and warn them about these recent incidents to ensure they are doing all they can to protect themselves and their properties.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Notts Police on 101, quoting incident 442 of April 9.
