A spate of burglaries from unoccupied rural properties in east Suffolk has prompted detectives to issue security advice for homeowners planning a break this bank holiday weekend.

Police have noticed a recent rise in burglaries across Suffolk Coastal and Waveney, with many happening while the properties are left noticeably empty.

Dc Andy Barker, of Suffolk Coastal CID, said; “We have a number of lines of enquiry that we are following to trace those involved in these incidents but we are also asking residents to help us by taking some simple crime reduction steps and are urging you to call us immediately if you see or hear anything suspicious.

“Several of the properties that have been targeted have been homes where the householder is away on holiday and there have been no lights on or vehicle outside – in short there is no sign that the address is occupied.

“Leaving your lights on a timer device while you are out is a simple and inexpensive way of making it appear as though you are at home.“If you are going away consider getting a trusted relative, friend or neighbour to look after your home, and perhaps think about leaving a vehicle outside it if you can.”

In several of the burglaries, which took place most recently in Wangford, Worlingham, Monewden, Trimley, Ufford and Otley, electrical items including phones, tablets and laptop computers were stolen.

Officers are urging owners of such devices to use “security apps” that track devices remotely and have helped police recover them and make arrests.

For more information call your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 or visit www.suffolk.police.uk