Spate of burglaries in Devon

Detectives are again asking residents to check their doorbell and CCTV footage after another spate of burglaries in Devon.

Officers believe five recent break-ins may be linked to 15 burglary reports prior to Christmas. The latest offences took place between Monday 19 February and Monday 11 March.

Offenders entered properties in Fulford Drive in Cullompton, Dawlish Road in Exeter, Hillside in Sidmouth, South Molton Street in Chumleigh and School Lane in Thorverton by either reaching through a cat flap, damaging doors to gain entry or accessing via insecure doors and windows.

Once inside the offenders stole car keys, bank cards and the cars themselves. Of the eight cars stolen in the five most recent burglaries, four have since been recovered.

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.”

For information on how to protect your home please visit the Force website for our crime prevention advice.

If a crime is ongoing, please call 999.

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