BURGLARS struck in Eltham a whopping seven times in one afternoon last week.

A Greenwich police spokesman described the spate of thefts on January 25 as “highly unusual”. There were just five residential burglaries in Eltham North ward during the whole of December.

Burglars hit four homes in Westmount Road alone during the hours before 7.10pm.

Further thefts took place at Beech Hill Road at around 3.45pm and two in Castlewood Drive.

Police say the burglars forcing entry through UPVC back doors in a bid to swipe jewellery and laptops.

One of the victims was Councillor Nigel Fletcher. He said: "I'm very grateful to the police for their swift response and hope with the evidence collected they can find and catch the person responsible."

Officers are visiting local pawn shops as part of their ongoing enquiries.

A spokesman said: “The advice is to ensure UPVC doors are locked with a key.

“People should have a picture catalogue of their jewellery and should note down laptops numbers.”

If you have any information call police on 020 8284 9573.