A spate of recent house burglaries, including one in Sidmouth, is being linked to a string of similar break-ins before Christmas.

There have been five burglaries between February 19 and Monday this week (March 11) - one of which was in Hillside Road, Sidmouth. In all cases the burglars got inside by reaching through a catflap, opening unlocked doors or windows, or damaging doors.

They then stole bank cards, car keys and the cars themselves. Eight cars have been stolen in the latest five raids, although four have been recovered.

The other recent break-ins were in Exeter, Cullompton, Chulmleigh and Thorverton, and they're all being linked to 15 similar burglaries at the end of last year.

Detective Inspector Guy Biggar said: “Sadly we’ve seen a continuation in this series of crimes, and I would urge the public to be extra vigilant on securing both houses and vehicles.

“If you have seen any suspicious behaviour or have been a victim of an offence and not yet reported it, please get in touch with us.

“Equally, if you have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage which may assist our enquiries, please report it to us to so we can investigate in full.

“In the meantime, we would ask residents to ensure that their homes are secure by keeping their doors locked at night and when they leave their property.”

Advice on protecting property can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

Anyone who can assist police with their investigation is asked to report information online via the police website or telephone 101, quoting crime number 50240040188.

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