Jewellery burglars raided six Sidmouth homes escaping with hauls of necklaces, rings and a sentimental charm.

Sidmouth Herald: Harcombe Lane - Sidford. Picture: Google MapsHarcombe Lane - Sidford. Picture: Google Maps (Image: Archant)

The spate of break-ins all took place within the space of two months, with three properties being targeted in one night.

Residents have now been warned by police to stay vigilant in case the burglars return again.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said the homes have all been targeted in the same way, with a number of back windows being forced.

The first set of incidents took place on February 18, where three homes in Higher Woolbrook Park were raided.

Sidmouth Herald: Meadow View - Sidmouth. Picture: Google MapsMeadow View - Sidmouth. Picture: Google Maps (Image: Archant)

Burglars then targeted a property in Meadow View in March before returning earlier this month to target two more homes, one in Newlands Close and the other in Harcombe Lane.

Trevor Heynes, coordinator of the Higher Woolbrook Park Neighbourhood Watch, said it would be holding urgent talks at its meeting on Tuesday about the matter.

A Devon and Cornwall Police crime prevention officer will also be attending to offer advice and assurance.

Mr Heynes said: “Neighbourhood Watch is about providing a community service to help people along and, at a time like this, one of the things is that individuals feel very isolated and vulnerable.

Sidmouth Herald: Newlands Close - Sidmouth. Picture: Google MapsNewlands Close - Sidmouth. Picture: Google Maps (Image: Archant)

“If you have a community Neighbourhood Watch, at least everyone is pulling together.”

Detective Constable Matt Burnell said: “The vast majority of properties targeted are detached bungalows and entry is generally forced to windows at the rear of properties. It also appears that the offenders are focusing on stealing jewellery.

“Jewellery taken has included sapphire and amethyst rings, necklaces and a Buckingham Palace charm.

“Please can residents also remain vigilant for any suspicious activity including non-official door knockers and ensure that they report such activity to police as soon as possible.”

He added that a small silver hatchback being driven around the Higher Woolbrook Park area around the time of the first burglary had also been reported, although it may be unrelated.

The Neighbourhood Watch meeting will be held at The Balfour Arms, at 7.30pm, on Tuesday. All are welcome.

Anyone with any information should call the police on 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference number: CR/30203/18.