HOME owners in Fenland are being asked to keep an eye on empty properties in their neighbourhood following a number of break-ins.Since the beginning of the year 15 burglaries of this kind have taken place, six in Fenland and nine in Huntingdonshire. Howe

HOME owners in Fenland are being asked to keep an eye on empty properties in their neighbourhood following a number of break-ins.

Since the beginning of the year 15 burglaries of this kind have taken place, six in Fenland and nine in Huntingdonshire.

However there is good news for those homes subject to repeat burglaries as the numbers have fallen dramatically.

Cambs Police keep a record of all repeat victims of house burglaries within the previous year.

"There was a time where once a house had been broken into, the chance of getting broken into again was quite high," said a police spokesman.

"Fortunately Fenland has bucked that trend and up to March 1, only one house in the March area and one in the Wisbech area was broken into more than once during the previous 12 months."

Police say burglaries of empty homes generally occur in the evening or overnight and offenders have gained access through open windows or unlocked doors at the rear of the house.

Letters have been sent to all registered estate agents offering crime prevention advice.

Locking all windows and doors and ensuring alarms are working is among the advice, and the police say people should avoid leaving spare keys outside in a garage or shed.

"Check that outside areas such as sheds and outbuildings are secure and items are stored safely as tools left lying around could be used to break into the property," said the spokesman.

Residents are being asked to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood to police on 0845 456 456 4.