OPPORTUNISTIC thieves have been taking advantage of the darker nights after a spate of burglaries on homes and allotments in South Somerset.

Police are investigating after 11 burglaries were reported in the Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster and South Petherton area in just a week.

Five allotment sheds in South Street, Hinton St George, and four more garden sheds around West Street were also raided between November 2 and 4.

Thefts from sheds and detached garages are one of the ongoing problems police in South Somerset say they are facing.

The burglaries took place between October 25 and 31 and police have just released information.

They are urging people to be vigilant and to ensure valuable items are out of sight, secure, and marked and photographed for easy identification.

Jewellery and expensive tools are the items which have generally been taken.

One victim had a bicycle recovered nearby.

A chainsaw was taken from an unlocked shed and garden sheds were raided by offenders who jumped a fence separating gardens from school playing fields.

Another victim reported that so-called ‘Nottingham Knockers’ had visited her property recently and she had bought items from these door-to-door traders.

Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster Sgt Rob Jameson said: “We have seen an increase in burglaries, and our advice to people is to be vigilant, and call us if they do see anything suspicious.

“Now that the nights are darker, people should think about putting lights on in the house to make it look like you are home.”

Police are asking anyone with information or descriptions of people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area to call them on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 080055-5111 anonymously or through their online form at crimesoppersuk. org