RESIDENTS of two villages are being asked to look out and lock up after a spree of burglaries.

There have been six reported incidents of break-ins in Barkway and Barley since mid-November, with jewellery and farming equipment amongst items stolen.

District Councillor for Barkway and Barley Howard Marshall, warned residents to take extra care to avoid being the victim of burglary.

“This is a bad time of year for break-ins, as people want to steal items to raise money for Christmas, and a lot of people are out of their homes,” he said.

“We should al ensure that all our security systems are in order. Alarm systems are a good deterrent.”

Cllr Marshall confirmed that the council was aware of the spree, and they had been talked about in meetings.

The first reported incident came on November 13, when a chain and padlock was removed from a stable gate in Barkway. Three days later, offenders gained entrance to a property in London Road, Barley, sometime between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, but no items were taken.

Alloy wheels were then stolen from two different properties in Cambridge Road, Barkway, on Friday 19 and Sunday 21 November, after garages were broken into during the night.

On November 24, after 3pm but before 8am the following day, Shaftenhoe End Farm in Barley was broken into and leaf blowers and scrap metal was stolen.

The most recent reported incident came on Thursday November 25, when offenders forced their way into a house in Windmill Close, Barkway, between 4pm and 6.15pm and two pairs of gold earrings were stolen.

A Herts Police spokesperson said: “These incidents are being fully investigated. If anyone believes they witnessed any of the incidents or believes they know who was responsible, please contact police via the non-emergency number, 0845 3300222.”