Detectives are investigating a spate of burglaries at properties in Godalming, Farncombe and Milford.

Now Police have issued a warning to residents to be on their guard and step up household security after the burgarly spree.

Officers are currently investigating fourteen burglaries which have been reported to police over the last month. The offences have mainly been committed during the afternoon or late evening, with thieves taking easy to grab items such as jewellery and electricals.

Waverley’s Crime Reduction Advisor John Robini said: "We have carried out extensive house to house enquiries and have offered reassurance to the victims involved. We will continue to investigate but are urging anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact us straightaway and for residents to remain vigilant.

"It would seem that there is some determination by these thieves to smash their way in and snatch belongings. They are concentrating their efforts on grabbing small items which can be easily concealed and transported out of a property. Whilst it is not possible to put everything out of sight, I would definitely urge people to keep jewellery, car keys, bags and small electrical items, such as laptops and mobile phones, upstairs overnight or place them out of view during daylight. Similarly any high value or sentimental items should be locked away securely.

"It is essential that doors and windows are securely locked when occupants are out – using deadlocks where present and if not installing new ones ensuring they are certified to the latest British Standard. Fitting and using an alarm system will deter most criminals. Spending money on security measures can seem daunting but it is a good investment which can help prevent you becoming a victim of crime and can add value to your property.

"It is also a deterrent if you can mark and photograph all your valuables, so they can be easily identified."

Over four thousand pounds worth of jewellery was stolen in a burglary in Busbridge Lane, Godalming, during the afternoon of Tuesday, 11 January. The offenders forced entry through a window and got away with over 40 pieces of jewellery, including a diamond and platinum engagement ring worth around £950.

Jewellery was also taken in two recent burglaries in Milford and Godalming. A property in Oak Tree Road, Milford, was targeted sometime between Saturday, 8 January, and Thursday, 13 January. Thieves got away with around £100 worth of costume jewellery in the break-in as well as a £500 television. This follows a burglary in South Street, Godalming, in which a jewellery box containing around £400 worth of jewellery and a rucksack were taken. The incident occurred sometime between Friday, 7 January, and Saturday, 8 January.

Burglars got away with a haul of electrical items worth £2,000, including a flat screen television, a digital camera and a camcorder, from a property in Binscombe Lane, Farncombe, overnight between Thursday, 13 January, and Friday, 14 January. A steel chainsaw was also taken in the incident.

If anyone has any information about any of these incidents they are asked to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 222. Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously and free of charge by calling 0800 555 111.