Rise in burglaries prompts warning

A RISE in burglaries in Swaffham during May has sparked a police warning to residents to keep their homes safe.

Homes at four addresses in the town were burgled between May 4 and 26.

On each occasion it happened at about 4am and the burglars were able to let themselves into insecure homes.

Insp Ady Porter said: 'I'm appealing for the residents of Swaffham to be vigilant and take some basic crime prevention steps. Please lock your doors and windows before going to bed, and if you go away for a prolonged period of time, look to put a light on a timer to give the appearance of your home being occupied.'

Police also want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any of the crimes.

The burglaries happened in the Queen Street, Beech Close and Orford Road areas of Swaffham overnight on May 4-5, May 17-18 and May 25-26.

Insp Porter added: 'I'm determined to catch those responsible. If you witnessed anything susp-icious in the areas named between the times stated, please call the police and let us know.'

He gave the following advice to home owners: 'If you go out for the evening, make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights or leaving them on a timer.

'Don't leave curtains open so people can see in. Be extra careful about locking doors and windows. If you go away for a holiday, use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home.

'Don't forget to cancel newspapers and milk if you have them delivered and either redirect your mail through the Post Office or have your neighbour take mail into the house.'

For further crime prevention advice or to arrange a free crime prevention survey contact your local crime prevention officer or safer neighbourhood team by calling 0845 456 4567.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact the police on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.