Homeowners are being urged to be vigilant after a spate of burglaries near to Diss.

Since the end of March, police in north Suffolk have received reports of 10 burglaries to outbuildings in Aspall, Wingfield, Palgrave and Fressingfield.

There have also been a number of burglaries in and around the Diss and Roydon area, with electrical items, power tools, laptops, bags and a quantities of cash among the items reported stolen.

The most recent burglary took place at a property in Pursehouse Way sometime between, 10.30pm on Saturday, May 6 and 7.15am on Sunday, May 7.

Police are responding to the recent crimewave with increased presence in the Diss and Roydon area, including special constables on horseback patrol over the weekend.

On Monday, May 8, just before 10am, Suffolk police forcibly entered a property in Long Meadow Drive in connection to a burglary which took place in Wingfield.

A 27-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bury St Edmunds before being released under investigation.

Whilst police are increasing their patrols, they are also urging members of the public to take simple steps in securing their homes.

Engagement officer for South Norfolk, PC Jim Squires, said: 'Many of the thieves we encounter just try their luck in the hope of finding a property that's not been left securely.'

'A number of the burglaries committed in the Diss and Roydon area could have easily been avoided if doors and windows were locked.

'I would urge householders to fit locks, which are fit for purpose for all doors and accessible windows, and get into the routine of checking that windows and doors are closed and locked - even if you're at home, before you go to bed and when you leave the house.

'In the meantime we are asking residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, as it may assist us with our investigations.'

Anyone who spots anything suspicious or who has information regarding any of the burglaries should contact Norfolk or Suffolk constabularies via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.