Homeowners are being warned to take extra care after Swarovski crystal figurines and other valuables were stolen during a spate of rural burglaries across Suffolk.

The five incidents, linked by police, occured within two weeks of each other, and were mainly put down to properties being entered by force – rather than insecurities such as unlocked doors.

The first incident happened between 9am on June 28 and 11am on July 9 at a property in the Street, Westhorpe, when an unknown offender forced entry via a window.

A second incident took place between 7.45pm and 7.50pm on July 4 at an address in Langham – when items of jewellery were taken.

The third burglary occurred between 1.30pm and 3.20pm on July 7 at another home in Langham, when an offender entered by unknown means before stealing various items including two purses, personal documents, jewellery, a bag and a laptop.

The fourth incident occurred between 7pm on July 7 and 7pm on July 8 at a property in Langham Road, Badwell Ash – when the offender smashed glass in a rear door before stealing silverware, cash and jewellery from various rooms in the property.

A fifth burglary occurred at 10.50pm on July 11 at a property in Long Thurlow, and involved an offender smashing a window to gain access and stealing several Swarovski crystal figurines.

Officers are linking the five incidents and are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or have captured anyone or any vehicles on dashcam, headcam or CCTV cameras on the days and times in question.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk police on 101 quoting the relevant reference number.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

The crime reference numbers for the incidents are as follows:

The Street, Westhorpe: 38076/18

First address in Langham: 37116/18

Second address in Langham: 37754/18

Langham Road, Badwell Ash: 37940/18

Long Thurlow: 38830/18

As the majority of the incidents in this series involve rural properties being entered by force rather than because of insecurities, police are urging members of the public to consider installing crime prevention measures such as CCTV, security lighting and doorbell cameras as a way to help make their properties more secure.

For further home security advice, visit http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/home-safety