POLICE in South Devon are urging residents to keep their doors locked overnight and make sure burglars are not given an easy ride.

Several incidents have been reported of car keys being taken by opportunistic offenders but victims have also reported other personal items being stolen such as phones, jewellery and cash.

Various towns and villages across South Devon, including Newton Abbot and Teignmouth, have been affected and those victims reporting incidents so far have been from a range of ages.

Residents can heed some simple advice to make their homes more likely to stay safe and secure and prevent them being the next target for burglars.

This includes door and window locks and better lighting.

Detective Sergeant Jason Parsons, from the South Devon 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.

‘If you have a property alarm please remember to set it and during the dark winter evenings you may wish to use timer switches on lights to give the appearance that your home is occupied.

‘Those who have a garage for vehicles should use it and door cams can be very useful to see who is approaching homes.

‘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.

‘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’.

Police in South Devon have already made several important arrests in relation to burglary and vehicle theft and some offenders have been convicted and are due before the courts next year to face sentencing.

A spokesperson for Devon & Cornwall Police said: ‘If you see anything suspicious, report it to police immediately via 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress and/or there is risk to life.

‘You can also report incidents via the Force website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police

‘It will help if you can tell us: how many people did you see involved? Any description of those involved - height, build, clothing, etc. Details of the vehicle they are travelling in, including any identifying features, such as the registration number, dents, marks or stickers. Which direction did they leave the area in?

‘You can also report information to independent charity Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous. Please contact them via 0800 555111 or via their website Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

‘Victims of crime can call Victim Support on 0808 16 89111 or there is assistance available online Home - Victim Support’.