The public has been advised to take extra caution and monitor their neighborhood following the increase in house-breaking cases reported in the district.

Kota Baharu district police chief ACP Baharom Abu said 26 cases of house-breaking had been reported since Jan 1 until yesterday, compared to only 11 cases during the corresponding period last year.

"Residents should take action by immediately contacting the police if they see and hear anything suspicious at their neighbours' houses," he told reporters here on Sunday.

In the latest case reported yesterday, he said a man was caught red-handed breaking into a house rented by a doctor in Kubang Kerian following a call made by a neighbour to the police.

The break-in occurred about 4.15 am when the doctor was away on holiday, he added.