A MARRIED father of three woke up in the dead of night to find a burglar in his Crouch End house. The man, who has three young children and did not want to be named, woke up at 4.20am on Wednesday December 3 to the sound of an intruder in his Glasslyn Roa

A MARRIED father of three woke up in the dead of night to find a burglar in his Crouch End house.

The man, who has three young children and did not want to be named, woke up at 4.20am on Wednesday December 3 to the sound of an intruder in his Glasslyn Road house.

He stood at the top of the stairs and after seeing a light on, shouted at the burglar. The man then gave chase up the street, only to find the thieves had stolen the family's Volvo. The keys to the vehicle had been in his wife's handbag downstairs.

Neighbour Isabelle Halton, 49, heard the commotion. She said: "I woke up at about 4.20am and thought: what is going on? There was a lot of shouting and I thought maybe my neighbours were having an argument, but they're not the type of people to do that.

"Then I found out it was the husband, chasing a burglar out of their home."

Mrs Halton added: "There's an uneasy feeling around here at the moment - a sense that you're not even safe in your own home."

The burglars also stole electrical items including a TV and PlayStation.

Det Sgt Neil Allan said: "Most burglaries take place during the day while people are out. On the occasions where an intruder gains entry while people are at home, they will want to commit the offence as quickly as possible without being seen or caught.

"The resident who disturbed the intruder did the right thing in keeping his distance and shouting at him, causing him to make a swift exit."

Another burglary took place in the same road overnight, between 10.30pm on Tuesday December 2 and 6.30am on December 3.

Police believe the intruder entered the house by reaching through the letterbox and slipping the Yale lock. A mobile phone, Blackberry device and ring were among the items stolen.

The police have advised residents to double lock their front doors with a chain and keep car keys and handbags hidden.

Det Sgt Allan added: "Unfortunately, Yale locks alone do not provide much security. We advise people to use a door chain or bolt at night and to keep keys upstairs or in the bedroom with them.

"Consider replacing your ordinary Yale lock with one that can't be slipped, and a letterbox guard can help prevent intruders reaching in with a hand or device to gain entry."

Haringey's burglary squad are investigating both incidents and have asked anyone with information to contact them on 020-8345 0886. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone looking for crime prevention advice should visit www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention or call the Haringey police crime prevention office on 020-8345 2164.