Lock doors warning after phones and cash stolen

People are being urged by police to lock their doors overnight after incidents where car keys and personal items have been taken from homes.

Devon and Cornwall Police said homes across south Devon including Torquay, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Paignton had been targeted.

The force said officers had made several arrests in relation to burglary and vehicle theft, with some offenders already convicted and facing sentencing next year.

Det Sgt Jason Parsons, from south Devon criminal investigation department (CID) team, said: "Both urban and rural residents have fallen victim to these offences and remembering to lock doors, especially at night, is very important."

He urged residents with property alarms to set them during the darker winter evenings and to use timer switches on lights to make it look like someone is home.

He said residents with garages should use them for vehicles, and added door cameras were "very useful".

"Residents may also want to consider locking windows and hiding valuables or installing better external lighting which is activated when someone gets close to a property or CCTV," he added.

"We want to reassure the public that we are working hard to track down offenders and bring them to justice but we need the public's eyes and ears to assist our officers.

"We know how distressing burglary can be for householders and this is not something that people want to happen over the festive period – or at any time of the year."

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