Bexley police are warning residents after a spike in burglaries and vehicle theft.

Over the last couple of weeks there has been a number of crimes in the Sidcup area.

On March 8 a large amount of jewellery was stolen from a house in Ramillies Road between 2pm and 8pm after a neighbour's ladder was used to gain access.

On Facebook officers from Blendon and Penhill said: "Also on March 8 at 8pm there was an attempted burglary on Hurst Road, the victim heard someone trying to break into her garage and shouted. A male in a hoody was seen to run off.

"On Friday 8th overnight a Range Rover was stolen without keys on Crofton Avenue."

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Officers have been leafleting the area to give residents advice on how to keep their homes and cars safe.

They have also been door-knocking to make sure residents know that they are always on the scene and working to keep the area safe.

Another officer said: "Overnight on Monday 11th a car was entered on Rowley Avenue. Apparently there were three but we only know about two. If you are a victim of this that hasn't reported it, please report online at www.met.police.uk or on 101.

"Also on that same night at 0120 on Tuesday morning there was another vehicle that was rifled through taking loose change in Chaucer Road. This car was left unlocked."

How can you keep your homes safe from burglaries?

Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key).

Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox).

Install a visual burglar alarm (as part of a suite of prevention measures - a burglar alarm on its own will not prevent entry to your home).

Install good outside lighting.

Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.

Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied.

Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition.

Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage.

Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.

Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.

Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows.

Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault.