'Opportunist' thieves have been targetting a number of homes across Wokingham in recent days.

Thames Valley Police has sent out a warning for residents to ensure doors are locked following a spate of thefts in the borough.

The force said there has been a "rise in the number of opportunistic residential burglary and theft from vehicle offences due to insecure doors."

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A simple act of making sure doors and windows are locked at home can prevent a 'traumatic experience' from happening to you.

The warning said: "If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your property.

"Keep them locked even when at home. Being burgled is a traumatic experience. It is not just the financial cost of replacing stolen items, but also the emotional impact of feeling violated after a burglar has been in your home. Your insurance policy may also become invalidated if certain measures were not taken, such as locking your doors and windows, when you go out."

As such, drivers are also being urged to make sure their car doors are always locked.

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The post added: "Please ensure the doors on your vehicle are always locked. Popping back into your house to get something is a perfect example of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is not secure.

"Try to get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you are only going to be away from it for a moment. Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief.

"It should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.