Four homes burgled in villages across Suffolk yesterday were most likely targeted by jewellery thieves, police have said.

Detective Inspector Nick Power, from Suffolk Constabulary, described the spate of thefts – which saw items of jewellery and designer watches stolen – as “extremely concerning”.

Investigating officers are linking the crimes and are urging witnesses to come forward.

It comes after a jewellery pouch and jewellery was stolen from a property in Wickham Road, Finningham, between 1.15-3.15pm while two watches, jewellery and cash were taken from a property in Mendlesham between 10am-4pm.

Jewellery, a watch, crockery and a gun cabinet containing a shotgun were stolen from a property in Woodlands Road, Raydon, between 2.30pm-4.45pm.

Meanwhile a Maurice Lacroix watch, a Toshiba laptop and a quantity of cash were seized from a house in Mill Green, Stonham Aspal, between 7.30am-5.15pm.

A fifth property in All Saints Road, Creeting St Mary, was entered and searched between noon-2pm. Police say it is not known at this stage if anything was taken.

Det Insp Nick Power, of Western area CID, said: “It is extremely concerning that there have been a number of burglaries in the west of the county.

“As well as the burglaries from yesterday there were also further reported burglaries earlier in the week.

“We are linking the incidents in the mid Suffolk area due to the times they have taken place and that jewellery appears to be the main target.

“We would like to reassure people that we are deploying considerable resources to the area and officers and staff from the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Crime Reduction Units will be offering advice and guidance to people about how they can improve the security of their homes.

“I would urge anyone living in local communities to report any suspicious activity. The burglaries appear to be taking place during daylight hours and if you see any suspicious vehicles or people, please report this to the police straight away.”

Witnesses or people with information relating to the thefts are urged to call police on 101.