The theft of thousands of pounds in cash, jewellery and parcels from homes during a string of break-ins has resulted in a police warning for householders.

Officers around the county are investigating a number of burglaries which may have occurred due to people not protecting their properties during the summer months.

A series of thefts have been reported in the Tovil area of Maidstone.

It is believed a man entered a house via an insecure door and stole money.

The same man was also reportedly seen to be trying windows and door handles in the area.

In another incident in Maidstone, keys were left in a box outside a property which the suspect spotted and used to get inside to steal jewellery and money.

Parcels were also stolen from the porch of a property in Rochester while the door was unlocked.

And in Folkestone, a victim reported more than £1,000 being stolen from their property.

It is believed the suspect got in through an insecure back door.

Police have warned that with the summer months upon us, and more people outdoors, residents need to protect their homes and property.

A police spokesman said: “As the temperature increases, unfortunately so can the number of break-ins, and as part of the force’s Safer Summer initiative, Kent Police is urging residents to protect themselves in every possible way.

“Insecure properties provide the ideal environment for thieves and something as simple as closing your windows and doors can prevent such an intrusive crime from taking place.”

Historically, police see an increases of burglaries during the summer.

In August 2022 the force saw 436 residential burglaries reported compared to the 387 in January 2022.

Detective Superintendent Lopa McDermott, head of the Crime Squad said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home.

“But if you’ve been a victim of burglary, it can cast a shadow over your life, leaving you and your family feeling scared, anxious and unable to relax.

“Many people open doors and windows to keep themselves cool when temperatures are high but they need to know it does make it easier for opportunistic thieves to strike when backs are turned.

“When you leave the house or go upstairs for any length of time, it is important you make sure your windows and doors are shut and locked because anyone who has fallen victim to a burglary will know how upsetting and difficult it can be to come to terms with.

“Some things are simply irreplaceable and crimes like this can have a lasting impact on victims.”

Police have issued safety advice to prevent more people from falling victim to burglars.

This includes locking back doors and windows when answering the front door because some burglars use distraction techniques.

They have also suggested that property owners consider fitting extra security measures such as spy holes, door chains, door locks and intruder alarms, as well as having CCTV covering the front and back of their property.

For more information on keeping your home safe visit Kent Police’s Safer Summer section of its website.