BURGLARS who stole jewellery, cash, and other valuables during raids on 17 homes in east Suffolk in just one month are being hunted today.

The break-ins have led police to warn residents to ensure their homes are secure.

Many of the burglaries, which all occurred in March, were carried out during the daytime.

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the break-ins in the Kesgrave and Suffolk Coastal areas.

The latest occurred on Tuesday in Sandy Lane, Woodbridge, when jewellery, cash, and two bottles of champagne were stolen between 9am and 1pm.

Among the items taken were a silver bracelet with amber inserts, three pairs of earrings with Christmas tree, penguin and light blue square designs, dark blue Lapis Lazuli tear drop earrings, silver and amber drop earrings, an amber pendant necklace and other valuables, along with a quantity of Euros.

Five days earlier several thousand pounds worth of jewellery was taken from a house in Doric Place during an break-in.

Among the other break-ins was one in Melton Grange Road, Melton, between 8am and 4.45pm on March 17 when items of gold jewellery and a safe containing personal documents were stolen.

The previous day foreign currency, four pearl necklaces, gold and topaz stud earrings, and a pair of emerald earrings were taken at a house in St John’s Terrace, Woodbridge.

On the same day in Spring Lane, Wickham Market, a turquoise Faberge egg, a silver charm bracelet in a white box, a ring with a tiny cross of stones with a ruby in the centre, a jewelled butterfly brooch, and a crown of thorns brooch with tiny pearls around the outside were stolen.

Also taken were a pale cream jewellery box, six silver teaspoons in a box, six silver fish knives in a box, a pink laptop computer in a black case with beige leather handles, a silver digital camera and a black digital camera. The burglary occurred between 8.15am and 1.10pm.

A police spokeswoman said: “There have been 17 house burglaries reported in the policing area, which covers Wickham Market to Kesgrave.

“To date four people have been arrested in connection with some of these offences.

“A 27-year-old man is on bail on suspicion of three of the crimes – at Woodbridge, Campsea Ashe and Melton, a 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with an incident in Kesgrave, and a 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with an attempted burglary in Wickham Market.

“Officers are asking anyone with information to call police on 01473 613500.

“Detectives are also urging residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police immediately using 999.”