A SPATE of burglaries in Wokingham has sparked concern with police, who believe the incidents may be linked.

The thefts all took place on Sunday, October 28 between 3pm and 7.30pm.

The first incident was on London Road sometime between 3pm and 6.15pm.

The offenders gained access to the property through the rear. The property was searched upstairs and items of jewellery stolen.

The second incident took place on Webb Court at around 6.30pm. The offenders attempted to gain entry to the property via the front.

The offenders were disturbed and did not gain entry. Two boys were seen leaving the property and got into a parked car before driving away.

The third incident also took place on Webb Court between 6.45pm and 7.30pm. The victim returned home to find the property had been searched. There was no sign of forced entry. A handbag, watch and set of keys were stolen.

The first offender is described as a white boy, aged between 16 and 18 years old, around 6ft tall with slim build and was wearing dark clothing.

The second offender is also described as a white boy, aged between 16 and 18 years old, around 5ft 8ins and of stocky build.

Detective inspector Mike Bettington, from the Complex Crime team at Loddon Valley Police Station, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses who were in these areas at the time and may have seen or heard anything unusual.

“Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43180329304.

“If you see a burglary in progress, or a burglary has occurred very recently, you should always report it by calling 999.”

Residents can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary by taking a few simple steps:

• When going out, remember to light up your home using timer switches or a TV simulator.

• Don’t leave valuables or cash on display and store your house and car keys away from your letterbox.

• Move bins away from any side gates to prevent easy access into your property.

• Lock any tools away to prevent them being used to break into your home.

• Consider fitting a motion activated external light or installing a CCTV system.

• Finally, mark your valuables using a UV pen and register them on the national property register at www.immobilise.com.

More burglary prevention advice is available on the Thames Valley Police website at: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/