Residents are being warned to “lock it or lose it” after a spate of burglaries in a Suffolk town.

Properties in Beech Terrace and Bury Road, Stowmarket, were targeted between midnight and 7am on Tuesday. Cash, cigarettes and keys were among the items stolen.

Sheds and a glass conservatory were also burglars’ targets.

However, at one home in Beech Terrace, burglars fled empty-handed after being scared off by dogs.

The break-ins followed another in the town between 11pm on Sunday and 8am the following morning. A home, shed and outbuilding were broken into in Temple Road, with alcohol, cash, food and tools stolen.

Caroline Millar, acting detective chief inspector from the Criminal Investigation Department, said: “Burglars often look for ‘quick win’ opportunities, targeting houses where windows are left open and doors unlocked.

“We would encourage everyone to remember to close all doors and windows when leaving their property and also to ensure that they are locked – never leave an open invitation; close it, lock it, check it.”

A property was also broken into in nearby Bond Street at about 3.45am on Wednesday. Keys and cash were stolen.

Police advise homeowners to fit secure locks on all doors and to fit a chain or bar to further protect their properties.

Burglar alarms and switches to time lights and radios to come on also deterred criminals.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: “Ensure valuables are suitably security marked; if not practicable, take photographs of valuable items and keep a note of any serial numbers.

“Ensure that handbags, wallets, mobile phones and car keys are kept safely in your bedroom at night. Some thieves purposely enter houses to take car keys in order to steal cars sat on the driveway.”

Dustbins should be kept away from fencing and gates as burglars often use them to access properties, the spokeswoman added. Anyone with information about the burglaries, should call police on 101.