Police in East Cambridgeshire have stepped up patrols in Burwell following a spate of burglaries which have blighted homeowners.

During December, police recorded eight burglaries in the village, with hundreds of pounds worth of goods stolen.

Officers insist the figure is “unusual” for the village and blamed an “offender who travelled to the area from outside the region”.

Chief Inspector Donna Wass said: “Burglaries are not tolerated. We have increased the police presence in the area and regularly deploy plain clothed officers.

“There are a wide range of policing tactics available, and residents can be assured that these tactics are being pursued and that we will continue to do so until the offenders are caught.

“We continue to pursue all lines of enquiry, trace and visit known burglars to disrupt and gather intelligence and with the assistance of volunteers actively track second hand markets to trace stolen property.

“We are grateful for all reports of suspicious vehicles from the community. One such report has led us to a potential offender and a joint policing approach with Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Any members of the community who wish to become a public service volunteer or member of Neighbourhood Watch should contact Ely police station for further details on 01353 656633.

HAVE YOU BEEN TARGETED? Contact daniel.mansfield@archant.co.uk or call 01353 665521.