THERE was a spate of burglaries yesterday, prompting police to remind residents to secure their homes.

Four burglaries were reported to police in Stinchcombe and Cam.

One house in Stinchcombe and three in Cam were broken in to, with the offences believed to have taken place been 8am and 7pm.

In one of the break-ins, the suspects were disturbed by neighbours who had spotted torch lights in a house in Stinchcombe.

They approached the property, where they saw offenders wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

When challenged, the suspects threw stones at the neighbours and made off in small hatchback type vehicle. It is not yet known if anything was taken.

In the Cam break-ins, rear patio doors had been smashed in all three properties.

In two of the properties, one in Larkrise and one in Woodend Lane, untidy searches were carried out, with nothing obvious stolen.

A second house in the Larkrise area of Cam was broken into between 8pm and 7pm.

There had also been an untidy search of the property and a small safe in an upstairs cupboard was taken, which contained passports and a large sum of money.

Anyone with information about the burglaries these crimes is asked report it to the police by calling 101 quoting incident number 409 of 14 November.  

A force spokesman said: "Please consider the security at the rear of your homes as patio doors are particularly vulnerable, and are a favourite point of entry for burglars.

"Also, remember to always remove the keys from the inside of any glazed or partially glazed external door when you go out, go on holiday or go away for the weekend, as thieves will use the key to gain entry if they can see it through the glass."

Information regarding criminal activity can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by ringing 0800 555111.