Residents in Milton Keynes keen to avoid a home insurance claim are being urged to be vigilant after a number of letterbox and cat flap burglaries.

Thames Valley police warned householders that thieves were managing to steal property by using a stick, or something similar, to reach through letterboxes or cat flaps and gain entry.

Crime reduction officer Ed Allington stated once the criminals were inside people's homes they were targeting high value goods.

He advised: "It is imperative residents ensure they secure all the doors and windows securely including always dead-locking your doors."

Mr Allington added a door is not properly secured unless a key is used to double lock it.

Residents were also advised to hide keys.

In other news from Thames Valley police, officers are warning householders to be on their guard against bogus officials after an 85-year-old woman in Wokingham was the victim of a distraction burglary last Saturday.

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