RESIDENTS in Wraxall are being warned to be vigilant after a number of thefts in the area over the past two months.

Police covering the village, and neighbouring Failand, have said since the beginning of November there have been 14 incidents of either burglaries, criminal damage or thefts of items from cars.

This is an unusually high rate of crimes for the normally quiet villages and officers have been giving advice to residents in the hope of preventing more incidents.

PC Adam Clarke said: “Many of these burglaries have been from garages and outbuildings where doors have been left unlocked and thieves have been able to gain access easily and help themselves.

“We are urging residents in the area to be extra vigilant and to report anything suspicious to us by calling 101, or 999 if something is happening at the time.

“Burglary is a terrible crime and the impact on victims, especially elderly people, can be devastating.

“By checking your home’s security, not leaving valuables on display in your car and following the doorstep code, you can help to stop yourself becoming a victim.”

Advice given to residents includes securing garden boundaries, making a house looked lived-in while away, locking a garage or shed with substantial security locks, locking all outside doors and windows, not leaving the keys in any locks and installing outside security lighting.

Car owners are also urged not to leave valuables including sat navs, computers or shopping on display in their vehicles.

PC Clarke, along with PCSO Charlotte Thompson, will be holding a drop-in crime prevention surgery from a mobile police station which will be parked at Failand Village Hall from 2-3pm and 7-8pm on February 4.