Police are reminding residents of Latrobe Valley to keep their houses and cars locked, after a string of break ins last night.

Around 9 properties were broken into last night around the Warragul and Drouin area, including a couples home in Drouin who were home in bed when an offender broke into their home before being chased out.

Police say there has been a recent spike in property break-ins, particularly rural houses in the Warragul and Drouin area.

They say the most common time for break-ins is between 12-5am.