POLICE have warned homeowners to secure valuables when they are away on holiday after a spate of burglaries in west Dorset.

In the latest incident in Lyme Regis, a man removed a window from a house before helping himself to cash.

Officers are investigating the burglary, which took place at a property along Haye Lane between Tuesday, July 21 and Friday, July 24, while the occupiers were away.

PC Richard Winward, said: “It is quite unusual, because the offender removed the beading from around double-glazed window at the front of the house and prised out the entire pane without breaking it – then climbed in.

“He searched the house and stole quite a large quantity of cash, and about 250 US dollars and about 50 euros. He also stole some jewellery. He appears to have left via the same window.”

Officers are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact Dorset Police. A ladder was also found a few metres away, which police believe the offender may have used, before realising he did not need it.

“This man must be slim to fit through the window,” added PC Winward.

“There must be someone, perhaps a girlfriend or partner, who has noticed that the offender suddenly has cash when he didn’t a few days ago.- or has seen him with US dollars of Euros.

“The offender was probably on foot, checking out local houses for signs that occupants are temporarily away, perhaps on holiday.

“ I would ask that people are vigilant and report suspicious activity. If it turns out to be nothing then we have lost nothing, but together we might prevent misery for another victim.”

Officers are urging people to ensure their windows and doors and secured, while valuable items should be removed if possible.

Bridport police inspector Mike Darby, said: “These are holiday homes which have been targeted so far.

“It's quite clear to people that holiday homes are empty and that they are not being lived in. It is particularly important that doors and windows are locked and secured and if there is an alarm that it is set.

“If there are valuables to remove, live televisions them and take them away if possible.

“If anyone has witnessed anything suspicious in terms of the burglaries then please contact us.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101.