Residents are being urged to check their doorbell and CCTV footage following a spate of burglaries in East Devon.

Earlier last month, police issued an appeal after four homes were targeted in Alphington and Newcourt between October 30 and November 7.

The offenders, two men dressed in black, entered three of the properties through unlocked doors, where they stole car keys and then the cars. An attempt was made on a fourth home.

On November 25, homes in Ottery St Mary and Branscombe were targeted, followed by a bout of incidents in Crediton, Exeter and Exminster on December 1.

A total of 15 reports have been received, which police believe are linked.

Detective inspector Guy Biggar said: “Sadly we’ve seen a continuation in this series of crimes, and I would urge the public to be extra vigilant on securing both houses and vehicles.

“If you have seen any suspicious behaviour or have been a victim of an offence and not yet reported it, please get in touch with us.

“Equally, if you have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage which may assist our enquiries, please report it to us to so we can investigate full.

“In the meantime, we would ask residents to ensure that their homes are secure by keeping their doors locked at night and when they leave their property.”

If a crime is ongoing, please call 999.

Anyone who can assist police with their investigation is asked to report information online or telephone 101, quoting crime number 50230293912.

Residents can take measures to prevent their property being targeted, which includes being careful what you share on social media.

Be careful not to post something that shows your property layout, as this could show possible entrances and exits. When making a post from home, try to focus images of specific things, rather than the full room.

It can be tempting to post online about a trip abroad or going to visit family and friends, but this alerts burglars of times when the property will be empty. To be safe, save posting any holiday updates until you’re back home. For extra security, you can install smart plugs to turn lamps on and off to give the impression that someone is home.