POLICE have arrested a man after a series of burglaries in South Gloucestershire last Thursday.

The first of the series of incidents, which happened in Filton, happened between 4pm and 4.30pm, a householder in Third Avenue was disturbed by a suspicious noise and saw a man in her neighbour’s garden who made off when he saw her.

The neighbour’s door was found to have been damaged, but no entry was gained

Shortly afterwards, at about 4.30pm, a family were in their garden in Gayner Road when they spotted a man leaving their house. He ran off and they have not yet reported anything missing.

Later that evening, between 7pm and 7.30pm, two laptops and a watch were stolen from a house in Cropthorne Road, while the householder was watching television

The final incident, which occurred at some point overnight between Thursday and Friday, saw a handbag containing cash and bank cards being stolen from a house in Sixth Avenue.

The contactless cards were later used to buy items in a shop.

A suspect was arrested on Sunday night, June 18, in Filton Avenue, Horfield, on suspicion of burglary.

A 25-year-old man from Filton remains in police custody.

Sergeant Steve Ives said: “It’s great that people in Filton are prepared to look out for each other and report suspicious incidents like this – it’s a good deterrent to thieves.

“While you’re enjoying the sun, do please remember to make sure your doors and windows are secure if you’re in another room or outside. It only takes an opportunist thief a moment to walk away with a handbag, wallet, or other portable valuables.”

Anyone with information which could help officers' enquiries into these burglaries is asked to get in touch online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 5217135148.

Alternatively they can anonymously call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.