Police are reminding people of the steps they can take to better protect their homes after a spate of burglaries where thieves targeted homes in Dartford and Medway.

Officers say four burglaries happened last Friday, February 17, where thieves targeted expensive jewellery and gold and say they are not ruling out the fact the incidents could be linked.

The first break in happened in Burnham Road, Dartford, between 1pm and 6.40pm where the home’s patio doors were smashed, and cash and jewellery was stolen.

The second happened in Princes Road, in the town between 1.30pm and 11.45pm where cash and jewellery were stolen after the front door was forced open.

Then in Rochester, thieves broke into a home in City Way, between 4.20pm and 5.30pm and stole a quantity of jewellery and cash from inside, and forced a door to gain entry.

The last home to be hit was in the London Road/The Brent area of Dartford, where thieves stole cash and jewellery after forcing the front door of the property.

The break-in happened between 7pm and 11.45pm.

Sgt Dave Crompton said: “You can never underestimate just how much of an impact burglary can have on the lives of those affected.

“Victims feel violated and uneasy in their own homes, and the matter is made worse when the items stolen are not only valuable but also highly sentimental or a family heirloom.

“While our officers will do everything they can to prevent such burglaries occurring, there are steps residents can take to make sure their homes are secure and deter would-be offenders.

“For example, I would strongly encourage families to keep large amounts of cash or gold out of the house if they can, such as in a safety deposit box at a bank where available.

“If you do need to keep high-value items at home then keep them in a good quality safe, bolted to a solid wall or floor and hidden out of sight.”

Anyone who wishes to report a burglary or any suspicious activity is urged to call 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.

Witnesses or anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.