THIEVES have struck almost 20 times in Thornbury and Alveston in the past three weeks – and police believe there could be more victims.

A total of 19 cases of burglary, attempted burglary, theft and other suspicious incidents have been reported to officers – with 15 in Thornbury and four in Alveston.

Avon and Somerset Police believe there may be other offences which have not yet been reported.

“We are encouraging victims that are yet to come forward, to make themselves known to us,” said Thornbury beat manager PC Sean White.

“A number of the thefts have been small items, like wallets, satnavs and phones, things which people could mistake for simply having been misplaced.

“Three of the incidents however have involved the theft of cars [after keys were stolen from houses], which have all since been recovered after being found abandoned.

“For each person that has said something to us, there could be two more that haven’t reported anything.

“We have had a number of suspicious incidents reported in driveways and gardens and are asking the public to be aware of any unwanted intrusion into their property.”

This follows a spate of 14 burglaries across Thornbury, Alveston, Tytherington and Falfield in November and December, and although officers said it was unlikely that the same culprits were responsible, they could not rule it out.

On the recent crimes, PC White said: “The first suspicious incident was on January 25, but the first two cases of burglary were on January 26. The most recent case was on February 8.”

Special Constable Roly Lock urged residents to step up security at their homes.

“People should make sure that garages and sheds are locked, and should even consider locking their front doors when they are in the house,” he said.

“If you are planning to go away, make sure that a neighbour or relative is keeping an eye on your property.”

Officers have remanded a Thornbury man in custody in connection with the recent offences.

The 37-year-old was arrested at Thornbury Library on Monday, and has since been charged with six counts of burglary and bailed for another three.

Police are still hunting the culprits of the 14 burglaries in November and December, PC White said.

Officers have requested for anyone who believes they may have been victim to a similar incident, to call 101 immediately.