Thieves who raided four homes in the Woodbridge area stole a BMW from one – and then swapped it for an Audi at their next break-in.

Police are today urging householders to take steps to keep their homes secure and to report any suspicious activity.

All four incidents occurred between Friday night and the early hours of yesterday morning.

At 4.20am on Saturday, entry was gained to a house in Grundisburgh Road, Woodbridge, via a window. It is not believed that anything was stolen.

Entry was also gained to a house in Hackney Road, Melton, during the night, through a window, and again nothing was stolen.

Between 1am and 5.30am yesterday, a house on Catherine Road, Woodbridge, was entered by an unlocked front door and the thieves took a mobile phone, wallet and car keys – and stole the BMW car parked outside.

The BMW was then found abandoned at Garrods Approach, Melton, where another burglary had taken place. An Audi car was then stolen from outside this house and was found abandoned by police at around 5am on Shaw Valley Road, Martlesham.

A police spokesman said officers were appealing for information in relation to the four burglaries, particularly from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the locations at the time. Anyone who can help should ring 101.

Officers are also reminding people of home security advice which can reduce the chances of becoming a burglary victim.

Householders should make sure all doors and windows are locked including using chains and bars and visible window locks, and also burglar alarms.

People are also advised to use timer switches to turn on lights and radios when they are out to give the impression the home is occupied.

Action should also be taken to security mark valuables and photographs should be taken and serial numbers kept. Handbags, wallets, mobile phones and car keys should be kept in a bedroom at night.