Police in Lowestoft are urging residents to remember to secure their homes and to think about leaving a light on after a spate of burglaries in the town over the past few weeks.

There has been an increase in offences since the start of November and many of the offences have been at homes that have been left insecure.

DI Simon Bridgland said police were working to trace those responsible but called on residents to take measures to protect their property.

Mr Bridgland said: 'The unseasonably warm weather has seen more people leaving doors and windows open and unfortunately opportunist burglars have been taking advantage.

'We have also had several incidents where it may have been obvious that no one is at home – with the darker evenings it becomes immediately noticeable that a property is unoccupied if no lights are on at 4pm.

'Because of this we want to remind you to think about the security of your home, to ensure doors and windows are closed and locked and to consider leaving a light on if you are going to be away from your home after 4pm.

'You could also get a relatively inexpensive timer device that will automatically come on at a set time to turn a light on if you don't want to leave a light on all day.

'Simple steps such as these may help to reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of crime.'

Officers are making additional patrols and are investigating the burglaries but are also asking residents to be alert for any suspicious activity near homes.

'We know that a variety of factors can have an effect on the number of burglaries in the town and we have had some success recently with charging individuals who have been caught as a result of alert members of the public calling in at the time. You can help by calling 999 if you see any suspicious activity and suspect a crime may be in progress and by passing information on about anyone who you suspect may be involved in this type of crime.'

• Anyone with information should contact Lowestoft CID by dialling Suffolk Police on 101 or you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously if required, on 0800 555 111.