Police are warning people in the Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Lympstone areas to lock doors and windows in a bid to thwart a prolific burglar.

Police are warning people in the Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Lympstone areas to lock doors and windows in a bid to thwart a prolific burglar.

In the last week, Exmouth CID has received reports of a spate of burglaries where homes have been targeted because of insecure doors and windows.

There have been 25 burglaries in the area in the past five weeks.

The police said properties most at risk have rear or side access lanes or unlit surroundings.

The burglaries have taken place over the past week and have occurred at different times of the day and night.

Exmouth CID is urging residents to keep all doors and windows locked especially when they are not at home.

And officers are urging people to report suspicious activity as soon as possible.

Simple measures such as keeping valuable items out of view can decrease the chance of getting burgled, the police said.

Detective constable Darren Campbell said: "We are urging people to keep valuable items in safes or locked cupboards and don't leave anything on display.

"When you go to bed, take handbags, purses and wallets upstairs and don't leave house and car keys on view, or close to doors. "Don't leave lap tops or mobile phones charging on view or close to windows.

"As the nights draw in it is recommended that people make use of timers so that lights can be turned on automatically to give the impression that people are at home, and fit outdoor security lights with motion sensors."

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact Exmouth Police Station on 08452 777444, quoting crime reference KE/09/2677.