Spate of burglaries in Thornbury over the weekend

Thornbury police are calling on householders to step up their home security following a spate of burglaries over the weekend.

Thieves forced their way into seven homes and a garage, damaging doors and windows. Jewellery was stolen from two of the houses, but despite evidence of searching at the other properties it's not yet clear whether anything was taken.

Sergeant Victoria Lansdown said: "Some people have had a weekend away and come back to find their home has been broken into. If you're going away, or even just out for the evening, I'd recommend setting a timer switch to turn lights and a radio on and off, and asking a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains so the house looks occupied. I'd also ask residents to call us straight away if they notice anything suspicious in their neighbourhood."

PS Lansdown also urges people to:

• Mark property with their postcode

• Register items on the national database www.immobilise.com

• Take photographs of jewellery and other things with sentimental value

• Join Neighbourhood Watch

• Always lock up doors and windows and set the alarm at night as well as when you are out

Anyone with information which could help police enquiries into the burglaries is asked to call South Gloucestershire Police on 101. Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.