Police are investigating after expensive jewellery was stolen in a series of raids across east Kent.

Officers say burglaries at homes in Ashford, Dover and Folkestone over the past few months may be linked.

They have now released a CCTV image of a man they think can help the investigation, and issued home protection advice.

One of the houses broken into was in St Stephen's Walk in Ashford, where jewellery was stolen between 11.30am and 3.25pm on Wednesday, October 4.

On the same day, in Pavilion View, an attempted burglary was reported between 4.30pm and 5pm.

Other burglaries reported include in Casino Square, Dover between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Wednesday, October 11, Thornlea, Ashford between 3.20pm and 4pm on Friday, October 6, Cypress Avenue, Ashford between 1.10pm and 6.15pm on Monday, October 2, Paddock Close, Folkestone, Almein Close, Dover, between 10.30am and 2pm on Monday, September 18, Grantley Close, Ashford between 1.15pm and 7.30pm on Monday, September 11, Jemmett Road, Ashford between 5.15pm and 7pm on Thursday, September 7, Northwood Gardens, Ashford between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday, August 15 and Cypress Avenue in Ashford between 8.30am and 4.45pm on Tuesday, August 8.

Detective Inspector Richard Allen said: "Crime like this can make victims feel isolated and uneasy in their own homes, the matter is often made even worse when the items stolen are not only valuable but highly sentimental or family heirlooms.

"We understand the devastating effect burglaries can have on our communities and we are doing everything we can to investigate these reports and identify suspects.

"Crime like this can make victims feel isolated and uneasy in their own homes" - DI Richard Allen

"In the meantime there are some steps that residents can take to make sure their homes are secure and deter would-be offenders.

"These include storing high-value gold jewellery out of the house, perhaps using a safety deposit box at a bank if available. If you do need to store them at home, keep them in a good quality safe and hidden out of sight.

"Take digital photos of valuables to assist with identification and consider installing CCTV outside your home along with security lights and sensors."

People are also urged to lock doors, windows, side gates and garages when leaving the house, turning on burglar alarms, insuring and marking valuables, take care when posting about valuables or movements online, use timers for lighting and arrange for people to visit the property and collect mail when going on holiday.

Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image or has information about the burglaries is asked to call police on 01843 222289 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/47907/17.